EAST STROUDSBURG, PA – The East Stroudsburg University men’s basketball team lost its top three scorers from last season. Its top two point guards have been sidelined with injuries.

None of it has slowed down the Warriors.

ESU has pressed and run its way to a 5-0 start, averaging 96.8 points per game—second only to Gannon in the PSAC. A deep roster and immediate contributions from newcomers, including Pocono Mountain West graduate Adrian Brito, have kept the Warriors rolling.

By the Numbers

• Record: 5-0 heading into conference play
• Scoring: 96.8 points per game (2nd in PSAC)
• 100-point games: Two in first five games
• Players averaging 10+ PPG: Seven

The Local Connection

Brito, a 6-foot-6 freshman forward, is averaging 12.8 points per game—second on the team—while shooting over 50% from the field. He’s also emerged as a playmaker with 17 assists, second only to fellow freshman Keni Williams (22).

The former All-Area Player of the Year represented the Dominican Republic at the FIBA U19 World Cup last summer before arriving at ESU. He’s the first Monroe County player to suit up for the Warriors since 2016-17.

“I feel like we’re very well connected,” Brito said. “We’re a very young team with the second group. The second group is looking to the first group and matching their energy. I just think we’re really exciting to watch, and we’re having fun playing basketball together.”

Depth Over Stars

The Warriors don’t have a clear-cut No. 1 scorer like last year’s PSAC East Athlete of the Year Lakeem McAliley, who graduated. Instead, head coach Jeff Wilson has leaned on balance.

A second unit featuring Brito, Williams, and Ethan Millirons has stepped up. All three are averaging at least 12.2 points while shooting above 50%.

“All things being said, with the injuries that we’ve had, kind of moving guys in, plug-and-play for lack of better terminology, I’m pretty pleased with where we’ve started the season,” Wilson said. “And I see a lot of growth with this team as the year goes on.”

What’s Next

ESU opens PSAC play this week after wrapping up nonconference action. The Warriors went 21-9 overall last season and reached the NCAA Division II Tournament, falling to Gannon in the National Championship bracket.

With injured starters Davon Lee and Kevin Coleman expected back in January, Wilson believes his young players are gaining valuable experience that will pay dividends come March.

“We’re just going to have to throw guys into different roles, and hopefully collectively we can become the team that we need to be,” Wilson said.

Up Next: Conference play begins this week as ESU looks to build on last season’s 18-4 PSAC record.