STATEN ISLAND, NY –  The College of Staten Island men's basketball team will tip off its 2025-26 campaign at the 23rd Annual Tournament of Heroes on Friday, November 14, 2025. The Dolphins will open the two-day event against Saint Michael's College in a 7:30 PM matchup.

The two programs last met in December 2023, when the Dolphins earned a 101-93 victory over the Purple Knights. In that game, returner JJ Chestnut, now entering his senior season, was one assist shy of a double-double with 16 points and nine assists. Then-freshman Aaron Goldstein added nine points and six assists to help secure the non-conference win.

During that contest, the Dolphins and Purple Knights traded baskets early before CSI surged ahead with a 10-0 run, taking a 25-13 lead midway through the first half. Goldstein extended the advantage to 19 points, fueling the Dolphins to a 20-point halftime lead. Saint Michael's mounted a strong second-half comeback, outscoring CSI 55-43, but the Dolphins held on for the 101-93 final.

OUR HEROES

Terrance Aiken (1994-95)
Terrance Aiken was a member of the Men's Basketball Team for just one season in 1994-1995, and his teammates and coaches quickly came to know him for his outgoing personality and passion for technology.   His love of the game of basketball brought him to the College of Staten Island, and his love of technology led him to accept a position with Virtual Computer Technologies in 2001.  September 11^th was just his sixth day on the job, and Terrance lost his life in the terrorist attack at the World Trade Center.  He left behind a wife and three kids, but his infectious personality has not been forgotten by his friends and teammates in the many years that have gone by since his tragic passing.

Scott Davidson (1986-89)
Scott Davidson spent four years with the Dolphins from 1986-1989, and on the court, he was known for his scrappy play and intensity combined with a willingness to do whatever it took to win.  However, those who knew him off the court recalled a playful demeanor that would surprise those who only knew him as an athlete.  Scott possessed a deep care for others which led him to join the New York City Fire Department, and ultimately, to enter the World Trade Center on September 11^th.  Demonstrating selflessness in the face of immense tragedy, Scott perished on 9/11 leaving behind a wife and two kids.  His energy and willingness to sacrifice for the betterment of the team was apparent on the court as a player, but his act of heroism on 9/11 will be honored at this year's Tournament of Heroes.



Tom Hannafin (1983-87)
Tom Hannafin was a four-year standout for the Dolphins from 1983-1987.  He was a dynamic, record-setting two way player that contributed to three championship teams.  Despite all of his athletic achievements, what his teammates remember most about him is his ability to bring them closer together as family.  Tom, who was a presence at the Sports & Recreation Center well beyond his playing days, often organized events which allowed former teammates to catch up with one another and reminisce about the past.  Driven by his care for others, Tom was always there for his teammates, and when called upon to be there for others on September 11, 2001, he entered the World Trade Center as a member of the New York City Fire Department.  He left behind two children and friends that remember him to this day for his ability to inspire growth in them as teammates and as people.