2024-25 Knox School Season Preview
Founded in 1904, The Knox School is Long Island’s oldest established private school. Knox is a progressive, co-ed, independent college preparatory boarding and day school located on 40 acres of serene waterfront property along the North Shore of Long Island, New York.
The basketball program is currently undergoing a significant ramp up under new Head Coach Jared Grasso and Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development, Malik Rhem. Coach Grasso is coming off a very successful run as the head coach of D1 Bryant College, where among other accolades, he was named NEC Coach of the Year in the 2021-22 season.
The Knox School national team will compete in the newly formed Empire 8 Prep League, consisting of high level college prep programs and will play nationally regarded teams in non-league play.
The Knox School will be hosting a full schedule of Fall Open Gym runs for college scouts to attend.
Below are the profiles of the Knox School’s college prospects.
Chris Eldredge (2025) 6’3, 180lb guard (McLean, VA) - An elite shooter with NBA+ 3 point range. As good of a shooter as there is at high school level. Can make them off the move and the bounce with a quick trigger. Handles it enough to play the point and really knows how to play. Father was standout player at Hofstra. Very strong academically.
Peter DaCruz (2025) 6’7, 190lb forward (Brooklyn, NY) - Lefty inside out player with great length (7’ 0 wing span). Bouncy with excellent timing as a shot blocker. Very fluid athlete in running the floor. Effortless stroke out to 3 point line. Upside is through the roof. 4.0 gpa
Bryceson Dobie (2025) 6’1, 160lb point guard (Brooklyn, NY) - Dobie has great speed and craftiness with the ball. Pure point guard who is an excellent decision maker and great vision in ball screens. Has terrific defensive instincts and gets hands on a ton of balls. Averaged 25ppg as a senior in high school. Can score it at all 3 levels. His dad, Antwan was a star at LIU and had long career overseas.
Ben Manuel (2025) 6’5, 200lb (Rogers, AR) - A skilled multi-positional guard with size. Has the ability to break guys down off the dribble. Downhill driver who is at his best in open floor and transition. Very good 3 point shooter, who can make them off catch and the bounce. Projectes as a Low Major/high academic.
Christian Smiley (2025) 6’5, 180lb (Wyandanch, NY) - Athletic wing, who plays bigger than his size. Has elite motor, and terrific offensive rebounder. Capable shooter who can get it going from 3 point range and terrific from mid range. Named first team All-Long Island on an undefeated team.
Saif Al-Deen Saleh (2025) 6’9, 225lb (Clifton, NJ/Jordan) - Had 1000 pts / 1000 rebounds in high school. Currently playing for Jordan’s National Team. Can score on block and out to 3. Runs the floor very well and can handle it for his size. Had multiple D2 offers as high school senior.
Hadi Alshami (2025) 6’10, 210lb forward (New Zealand) - Great length and shot blocking ability. Fluid athlete who runs the floor like a gazelle. Good footwork around the rim. Drop off lob guy as a ball screen roll man. High upside.
Yassen Shaker (2025) 6’6, 210lb small forward (Cairo, Egypt) - A combo guard with great size. College ready body and work ethic. Can play multiple positions on and off the ball. Good speed getting downhill with good vision passing the ball. Improving 3-point shooter.
Basti Williams (2025) 6’4, 185lb guard (New York, NY) - A strong combo guard, who can score at all 3 levels. Shifty handle and can create his own shot in 1/2 court. Can play both guard spots but at his best as a scorer off the ball. High academic.
Brandon Beamon (2025) 6’6, 205lb, small forward (Waterbury, CT) - High motor athlete who attacks the rim. 7’1 wingspan and plays bigger than his size. Relentless on the offensive glass. High release on his stroke and can make them out to the 3-point line.
Nate Song (2025) 5’10, 183lb point guard (Albertson, NY) - A pit bull point guard who is strong and has great speed. Very good in pick-n-roll decision making. Can really defend the ball 94 feet. Elite charge taker. Makes winning plays on both sides of the ball. Projected as a high academic D3. 4.0 gpa 1410 SAT
Jackson Carey (2025) 6’3, 175lb guard (Huntington, NY) - A capable 3 point shooter with range. Very tough and competitive, makes every hustle play and dives for loose balls. Vocal with great basketball IQ. Comes from good basketball bloodlines. High academic.
Anthony Stennett (2025) 6’2, 175lb guard (Queens, NY) - Lefty downhill driver who stays in attack mode. Very good athlete who finishes above the rim. Relentless on the ball defender.
Alesi Mingo (2025) 6’2, 205lb guard (Ridgefield Park NJ) - A strong, physical guard who can absorb contact and finish. Shoots it out to 3 and can get to midrange. Tough on ball defender with great physicality.