Saint Joseph’s College Basketball: A Dynasty in the Making?
Standish, Maine – The Saint Joseph’s College (SJC) men’s basketball team is riding a wave of success, recently crowned GNAC champions and boasting two players – Remijo Wani and Wani Donato – recognized on the D3hoops.com All-Region 1 Team. This isn’t a flash in the pan; it’s a program building a reputation for consistent excellence under the leadership of head coach Tyler Ackley.
Wani’s Ascendancy: A Scoring Machine
Junior guard Remijo Wani has firmly established himself as a force in Division III basketball. Repeating as GNAC Player of the Year and Maine State Player of the Year, Wani’s statistics are impressive: a career-best 22.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. His shooting percentages – 49.2% from the field, 40.1% from three-point range, and 75.0% from the free-throw line – demonstrate a well-rounded offensive game. Wani surpassed the 1,000-point mark this season, joining an exclusive club of 15 players in program history to achieve this before their senior year. He currently has 1,364 career points.
Donato’s Defensive Prowess and All-Around Game
Senior forward Wani Donato’s impact extends beyond scoring. He secured GNAC Defensive Player of the Year honors for the second consecutive year, adding Maine State Defensive Player of the Year to his accolades. Donato averaged 15.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting an impressive 57.4% from the floor. He led Maine’s Division III players in blocked shots and consistently ranked among the state leaders in multiple statistical categories. Donato finished his career with 1,252 points, 641 rebounds, and 266 assists.
A Resilient Season and Championship Run
The 2025-26 season wasn’t without its challenges. The Monks overcame a slow 3-8 start, fueled by injuries, to embark on a remarkable 17-game winning streak. This resilience culminated in a GNAC Championship victory over the University of Saint Joseph, securing their third conference title since joining the GNAC in 2007 and a fourth NCAA Tournament appearance. While their tournament run ended in a narrow 71-67 loss to Babson, the season demonstrated the program’s ability to overcome adversity and perform under pressure.
The Ackley Effect: Building a Winning Culture
Fifth-year head coach Tyler Ackley has been instrumental in the Monks’ success, earning GNAC Coach of the Year honors for the second year in a row. His leadership fostered a culture of perseverance and teamwork, enabling the team to navigate a difficult start and achieve significant milestones. Ackley’s ability to develop talent and instill a winning mentality is a key factor in the program’s continued growth.
A Rare Feat: Dual 1,000-Point Scorers
This season witnessed a historic moment for the Monks: both Remijo Wani and Wani Donato reached the 1,000-point milestone in the same game. What we have is only the second time in program history this has occurred, previously achieved by David Chadbourne and Bryan Rubenskas in 1987.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What conference does Saint Joseph’s College play in?
A: Saint Joseph’s College competes in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC).
Q: How many times has Saint Joseph’s College been to the NCAA Tournament?
A: The Monks have made four appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
Q: What are Remijo Wani’s key stats?
A: Wani averaged 22.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game during the 2025-26 season.
Q: What are Wani Donato’s key stats?
A: Donato averaged 15.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game during the 2025-26 season.
Did you know? Saint Joseph’s College’s 17-game winning streak was the third-longest active streak in the nation at one point during the 2025-26 season.
Explore more about Saint Joseph’s College athletics here.
