The Caltech men’s basketball team will add nine new players to the roster this season as they take on the 2023-24 campaign.
Under the leadership of head coach Dr. Oliver Eslinger, the program will look for their rookies to push the team to new heights. Last season, the squad picked up a number of impressive wins; the team led the conference in rebounding and saw one Beaver earn All-Conference honors.
“It was imperative to bring in a large and quality class, and we are very excited about all of these guys,” said Eslinger. “This group has length, athleticism, myriad scoring skills and experience from all over the nation and world.”
Meet the newest members of Caltech Men’s Basketball:
Matt Cantor
Bayside, N.Y. / Towsend Harris
6’4″ Wing/Forward
Coming out of Queens, Cantor comes to Caltech after a decorated high school career.
“Matthew is a high school 1000-point scorer who brings great toughness as a strong rebounder and driver,” said Eslinger. “We like his NYC upbringing.”
Dagemawi Getachew
Laurel, Md. / Roosevelt
5’9″ Guard
Getachew comes to the Institute in the backcourt as an impressive two-way player.
“Dag is a tough guard from the highly competitive DMV who will supply backcourt handling and intense on ball defense,” said Eslinger.
Pranit Gunjal
Newark, Del. / Newark Charter
6’7″ Forward
Gunjal will add size, shooting and strong decision-making to the roster.
“Pranit brings length and bounce to the court,” said Eslinger. “A mobile forward with a lefty stroke from the outside, he provides great versatility to our team.”
Ryan Hu
Bellevue, Wash. / Newport
6’6″ Wing/Forward
Hu brings a plethora of skills to Pasadena, allowing him to make an immediate impact.
“Ryan is an all-league slashing wing who can shoot the 3 consistently,” said Eslinger. “He has extremely good footwork and loves working to improve.”
Robert Jackson
Matteson, Ill. / Southland College Prep Charter
6’2″ Wing
A tough wing out of the midwest, Jackson will add skill and grit to the squad.
“Robert is a strong rebounder with a good outside shot who will add much strength and hustle to our team,” said Eslinger.
Andrew Koclanes
Denver, Colo. / Colorado Academy
6’5″ Lead/Wing
Another accomplished high school player, Koclanes comes to Pasadena with the ability to play the guard or wing position interchangeably.
“Andrew is an all-state big guard who can direct offense and provide great balance. He is adept as a playmaker and will be a great leader for us,” said Eslinger.
Andy Li
Austin, Tex. / St. Stephen’s Episcopal
6’0″ Guard
Li will bring a number of vital abilities to the floor for the Beavers.
“Andy is a terrific athlete who can really shoot it from deep,” said Eslinger. “He has a knack for creating shots and is very quick.”
Stephen Lo
Fremont, Calif. / Fremont Christian
6’1″ Guard
A California native, Lo looks to bring firepower to the Caltech offense.
“Stephen is a high energy guard who can score from all over the court,” said Eslinger. “He is strong and has a desire to develop into a dynamic player.”
Christos Palkogiannis
Thessaloniki, Greece / Landon School
6’5″ Lead/Wing
Palkogiannis brings both domestic and international experience with the ability to direct the flow of offense.
“Christos is a high level player from Greece who played prep in Maryland,” said Eslinger. “He can fill the lead guard spot and provide dynamic play as a scoring wing.”
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