The men's basketball team huddled up before the first scrimmage of the season against East Stroudsburg at the Palestra on Oct. 31, 2021.
Credit: Samantha TurnerAfter adding many talented pieces to the team, Penn men's basketball is ready to play a full season at the Palestra once again . The team was unable to play last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning that both the sophomores and freshmen are going into play with no prior collegiate experience.
Here’s a rundown of all the newcomers to the men’s basketball team:
Michael Moshkovitz, junior forward
Moshkovitz may have transferred to Penn just last year, but he is equipped with his international experience under his belt. The junior forward from Jerusalem played on the Israeli Under-20 National Team and with future NBA players. Moshkovitz gives the team a fresh and unique perspective as the team eyes a slot in this season’s March Madness.
Colin Chambers, sophomore guard
Son of Paul Chambers — one of Penn’s best all-time point guards — the junior Chambers comes in with a skillset of his own. Chambers’ leadership skills and grit have served him well throughout his high school career, and helps him fit the culture of Penn men's basketball. Chambers will look to contribute his intangibles to the court as he plays his first season with the Quakers.
Andrew Laczkowski, sophomore guard
The Dallas native who helped his high school team win the title at the 2020 Adidas Gauntlet, looks to help the Red and Blue this season with his strong work ethic and sense of teamwork. The former team captain scored 2,054 points in his high school career.
Clark Slajchert, sophomore guard
The 17th highest scorer in Calif. history, Slajchert aims to continue his shooting streak at Penn. The former team captain led his high school team to three Coastal Canyon League championships.
Eddie “Ed” Holland III, freshman guard/forward
With a massive 6-foot-10 wingspan, Holland will fit like a glove with coach Steve Donahue’s offensive plays. This guard/forward and Philadelphia native was captain of his high school team, and was named first-team Pennsylvania All-State Non-PIAA. Expect this four-year letter winner to have some crucial playing time for the Red and Blue.
Gus Larson, freshman forward/center
A four-year letter winner and former team captain, Larson helped his high school, Northfield Mount Hermon, win the 2019 New England Prep School Athletic Conference championship. Larson brings strong teamwork skills, so look out for this center that may help the Quakers come out strong this season.
Reese McMullen, freshman guard
As an All-Region, All-Metro, and All-State player, McMullen was the starter and captain of his high school team — a MaxPreps National top-25 team during the 2020-21 season. Having scored more than 1,000 career points, this Memphis native looks to bring the energy to the Palestra with his impressive resume and skills.
George Smith, freshman guard
Smith will add sharpshooting from behind the arc, as he hit more than 200 three-pointer during his high school career. Smith is a force on both on offense and defense, so expect gritty play on both sides of the court.
Nick Spinoso, freshman forward/center
A 6-foot-9 power forward/center, Spinoso averaged 22 points, 16 rebounds, and five assists per game during the 2019-20 season. This All-State and All-Long Island player is worth looking out for, as he impressively recorded more than 1,000 career points in high school.
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