You've probably seen the headlines. There’s a new era starting in New Rochelle, and if you haven't been paying attention to the Iona men's basketball schedule, you’re already behind. It's not just about the wins and losses anymore. It’s about how this program is being rebuilt from the ground up under a new philosophy.
Honestly, the 2025-26 season feels different. There’s a specific kind of energy at the Hynes Athletics Center that wasn't there last March. Maybe it’s the NBA pedigree on the sidelines. Or maybe it’s the fact that this roster looks like it was built in a lab to disrupt the MAAC. Whatever it is, the Gaels are no longer just "the team to beat"—they're the team everyone is trying to figure out.
The Geriot Factor: A New Strategy on the Court
When Iona named Dan Geriot as the 16th head coach in program history back in April 2025, it raised some eyebrows. Geriot spent nearly a decade in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans Pelicans. He’s not your typical "climb the mid-major ladder" kind of guy.
He brings a pro-style approach to New Rochelle. You can see it in the way the team handles the transition game. The pace is frantic but controlled. He’s not just drawing up plays; he’s teaching these kids how to read defensive rotations like they’re playing at the Next Level. It's a "read and react" system that makes the current Iona men's basketball schedule a nightmare for opposing scouts.
Wait until you see the defensive sets. They’re switch-heavy. They're aggressive. It’s basically NBA-lite in a small college gym.
Breaking Down the 2025-26 Iona Men's Basketball Schedule
The non-conference slate was a gauntlet. They didn't take the easy way out. You've got games against high-major programs that were designed to expose weaknesses before the MAAC play kicked into high gear.
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Early in November, the Gaels headed to the Swinney Center and dropped 105 points on Kansas City. A week later, they were back home in New Rochelle, grinding out a five-point win against a tough Fordham squad. That 76-71 victory was a statement. It showed that even when the shots aren't falling, this group can defend the perimeter.
Key Matchups and Results So Far
The Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands was a bit of a rollercoaster. They lost a tough one to Akron but bounced back with a wild 91-84 double-overtime win against Oregon State. That game alone showed the grit of this roster. They were down by eight with three minutes left in regulation. They didn't blink.
- Nov 7: vs Hofstra (W, 81-73)
- Nov 14: vs Fordham (W, 76-71)
- Nov 18: vs Princeton (W, 89-69)
- Dec 13: at #21 St. John's (L, 64-91) - A reality check at Madison Square Garden.
- Dec 20: at Vermont (W, 83-78) - A huge road win against a perennial power.
The St. John's game at MSG was tough to watch if you're a Gaels fan. Rick Pitino’s former team against his old stomping grounds. St. John's size was just too much. But Geriot used that loss as a teaching moment. They followed it up by going into Burlington and beating a very good Vermont team on their own floor.
Conference Play: The MAAC Meat Grinder
The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is always a mess. In a good way. On any given night, the bottom-dweller can knock off the leader. The Iona men's basketball schedule for January and February is basically a series of fistfights.
Right now, the Gaels are sitting at 12-6 overall with a 4-3 mark in the MAAC. They started conference play with a thumping at the hands of Quinnipiac, but they've stabilized. The win over Siena (75-72) on January 2nd was a classic Hynes Center atmosphere. The place was vibrating.
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Then came the Marist game. Let's be real—that 38-83 loss was ugly. It was the kind of game where nothing goes right. You couldn't buy a bucket if you had a million dollars. But that’s the beauty of this schedule; you don't have time to pout. They turned around and beat Niagara by 18 points just five days later.
Who’s Actually Making This Work?
The roster is a mix of veteran "grad transfers" and young talent. CJ Anthony has been the engine. As a graduate student from Cincinnati, he brings a level of composure that's rare in this league. He’s averaging nearly 15 points and 6 assists. He’s the guy Geriot trusts to have the ball when the shot clock is under five.
Then you have the "Bigs." Matt Reed and Alliou Fall provide the rim protection. Fall, a freshman from Sweden, is still learning the American game, but his 6'10" frame is a problem for MAAC guards who like to drive.
And don't sleep on Toby Harris. The Brandeis transfer is a 6'8" forward who can stretch the floor. If you leave him open at the top of the key, it's three points. Period.
Why the Schedule Matters for March
Everything in the Iona men's basketball schedule is a build-up to Atlantic City. The MAAC Tournament at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall is the only thing that truly matters. One bid. No room for error.
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The Gaels have historically dominated this tournament, but the gap is closing. Teams like Merrimack and Sacred Heart have adjusted to the MAAC style quickly. Geriot’s job is to ensure that by March 10th, this team is playing its most efficient basketball.
They have a huge stretch coming up.
- Jan 19: at Saint Peter's (The "Peacocks" are always a defensive nightmare)
- Jan 22: vs Merrimack
- Jan 24: vs Manhattan (The Rivalry)
- Jan 30: vs Fairfield
If they can go 3-1 in that stretch, they’ll be in a prime position for a top-three seed.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning on following the rest of the season, here is what you need to do:
- Watch the "Home-and-Home" Splits: Iona is 10-4 at home but has struggled with consistency on the road. Pay attention to the shooting percentages when they leave New Rochelle.
- Monitor the Injury Report: With a high-tempo system, depth is everything. If CJ Anthony or Denver Anglin misses time, the offense tends to stagnate.
- Tickets for the Manhattan Game: The January 24th game against Manhattan will sell out. If you want to see the most intense atmosphere in Westchester County, get those tickets now.
- Follow the KenPom Rankings: While the win-loss record is the primary focus, Iona’s "Adjusted Efficiency" has been climbing. This is a better indicator of how they’ll perform in a tournament setting than a single mid-January loss.
The 2025-26 journey is far from over. This team has the ceiling of an NCAA Tournament "Cinderella," but the floor is a mid-tier MAAC finish. It all depends on how they navigate the final twelve games of this grueling schedule.