Bucknell Bison vs Siena College Showdown on November 30
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | October 7, 2024 | Photo courtesy BL Sports Photography
Bucknell Bison vs. Siena College Showdown on November 30 (Buy Tickets Here)
Excitement is building in the local sports community as the Bucknell Bison men’s basketball team prepares to take on Siena College at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre on November 30. This highly anticipated game brings the thrill of Division I basketball to Northeastern Pennsylvania, offering local fans the chance to witness top-tier competition right in their backyard. One of the owners of SportzWire, Brad Loff, recently covered one of the 2 events this weekend with one being at Riverfront Sports Complex in Scranton and Wyoming Valley Clutch in Wilkes-Barre, where young athletes had the opportunity to hone their basketball skills in preparation for the upcoming season. The event featured drills, and personal guidance from experienced college players, giving local youth talent a chance to develop their game and get closer to their dreams. The courts were buzzing with young athletes eager to learn and who looked up to their role models with admiration. The excitement was evident as kids were given t-shirts, and the smiles on their faces grew wider when the event ended with players signing autographs on their shirts and taking pictures with their new role models..
Adding to the local sports buzz is the upcoming Bucknell Bison vs. Siena College showdown on November 30 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre. The game promises to be a highlight for fans of Division I basketball, bringing top-tier competition to Northeastern Pennsylvania. Standout players from the Wyoming Valley Clutch event squad included Pat O’Brien, Josh Bascoe, Elvin Edmonds, Noah Williamson, Brandon McCreesh, and Brady Muller being guided by coaches Branden McDonald, Jesse Flannery, and Mike Walley, who emphasized teamwork, dedication, and discipline throughout the morning. On the Scranton side, the squad of players were Jayden Williams, Kellen Welch, Matt Lange, Ruot Bijiek, Achile Spadone, Pipeloluwa Ajayi, Quin Berger, Josh Fulton, and Ian Motta. Under the leadership of Head Coach John Griffin III and Assistant Coach Matt Griffin.
The presence of college-level players and coaches at the event was a huge inspiration for the young athletes. One of the key figures leading this charge was Bucknell head coach John Griffin III, whose ties to the sport run deep. A former Bucknell player himself, Griffin comes from a basketball family—his father, John Griffin Jr., also coached the Bison in the 1990s. After his own successful college career at Bucknell, where he led the team to an NCAA Tournament berth in 2006, Griffin transitioned to coaching. He returned to his alma mater in 2023, bringing his passion for the game and a wealth of experience to the team. His leadership has already sparked excitement among the players and fans, and his return to Bucknell has been widely celebrated as a continuation of the program’s legacy. Griffin’s background as a player and coach makes him an ideal mentor for the current roster, and his commitment to developing not just athletes, but well-rounded individuals, was evident in the way he interacted with the young participants at Riverfront Sports. His understanding of what it takes to excel at the Division I level was shared with the local players, many of whom left the event inspired to work harder and dream bigger.
The excitement surrounding this event is further amplified by Siena head coach Gerry McNamara, a local legend from Scranton. McNamara’s remarkable career at Syracuse, where he helped lead the team to a national championship in 2003, has made him a beloved figure in Northeastern Pennsylvania. His return to the region as a head coach adds another layer of excitement to the upcoming game, and fans are eager to see one of their hometown heroes on the sidelines once again. As November 30 approaches, the buzz is growing. With John Griffin III and Gerry McNamara leading their respective programs, the Bucknell-Siena matchup is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. Tickets are on sale now for what promises to be a thrilling night of basketball, as local fans get a rare chance to see Division I talent on display so close to home.
For Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and the surrounding areas, this game is more than just a sporting event—it’s a celebration of local talent and a reminder of the opportunities that exist for young athletes in the region. With experienced coaches like Griffin and McNamara at the helm, this matchup is sure to inspire the next generation of basketball stars, proving that the path to success can begin right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Mark your calendars: The Bucknell Bison take on Siena College at The Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre on November 30. Tickets are available now, just click the link.
Follow @bucknell_mbb for more updates.
