en’s Basketball Poised for Growth in Second NJCAA Division II Season

Palatine, IL: The Hawks men's basketball team begins the 2025–26 season with renewed direction and purpose as it continues to establish itself in NJCAA Division II competition. Under third-year head coach LaMario Richards and assistant coach Ivan Patterson, the Hawks are determined to build on the foundation laid over the past two seasons while taking the next step toward sustained success in one of the most competitive regions in the country.

After competing in NJCAA Division III for decades, Harper made the move to Division II last year, facing a higher level of competition and deeper rosters across Region 4. The transition brought challenges, but it also offered valuable lessons that have shaped this year's team. Richards and Patterson enter this season with a clearer understanding of what it takes to compete at this level and have assembled a roster that reflects their long-term vision: disciplined and hungry.

The Hawks' 2025–26 roster features a blend of returning talent and fresh faces. Sophomore forward Vanja Mrduljas returns as one of Harper's most versatile and experienced players. At 6'7", he provides a steady interior presence and leadership on both ends of the court. Joining him this season is his brother, Marin Mrduljas, a 6'6" transfer who adds more size, skill, and familiarity to the frontcourt. Together, the Mrduljas brothers form the core of a front line that should allow Harper to compete physically with anyone in Region 4.

Freshman center Kevin Edgecombe, standing at 7'0", gives the Hawks a true interior anchor. His length and shot-altering ability will make him a factor around the rim as he develops throughout the season. Forward Oscar Engfors, a 6'8" freshman from Sweden, complements Edgecombe's interior presence with mobility and shooting range. Local freshman forward Logan Arteaga from Palatine brings toughness and a team-first approach, rounding out a deep and promising frontcourt rotation.

In the backcourt, the Hawks feature several newcomers looking to make an immediate impact alongside returner Darrion Pippen. Freshman guards Rashad Peeples and Isaiah Manley are expected to carry a significant workload early in the season, handling playmaking duties and perimeter defense. With freshman guard Jaylen Blakes sidelined by injury, the development of Peeples and Manley will be especially important as the team searches for stability and leadership on the perimeter.

Harper's schedule opens on November 1 at home against Oakton before a pair of road contests against Elgin and Truman. The early stretch will provide Richards with a chance to evaluate rotations and build chemistry among a group that features many first-year players. The Hawks will then settle into a series of home matchups in November, including Moraine Valley and Bryant & Stratton.

The coaching staff continues to emphasize defense, rebounding, and consistent effort as the pillars of the program's identity. Richards and Patterson's international recruiting has given Harper a diverse and skilled roster that reflects the global reach of junior college basketball. Their focus remains on player development and team growth, knowing that each game in Division II brings a new test of maturity and mental toughness.

While the Hawks are still a young team, they possess clear potential. Their size and length inside should help them control the paint and protect the rim, while the new backcourt pieces will aim to bring energy and pace to the offense. The main challenge will be turning that promise into production as the players adjust to the speed and physicality of the Division II game.

As Harper enters its second year in NJCAA Division II, the program continues to take steps toward becoming a consistent contender in Region 4. The focus is on progress, not perfection. If the team's young core can grow together and the returning pieces provide leadership and stability, the Hawks are poised to take a meaningful step forward in their evolution. Under Richards and Patterson, Harper basketball is laying the groundwork for a future defined by toughness, development, and pride in representing the Hawks at the next level.

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Players Mentioned

#32 Vanja Mrduljas: 6' 7"; Sophomore

#3 Darrion Pippen: 6' 0"; Sophomore

#34 Logan Arteaga: 6' 5"; Freshman

Jaylen Blakes: 6' 3"; Freshman

#44 Kevin Edgecombe: 7' 0"; Freshman

#11 Oscar Engfors: 6' 8"; Freshman

#22 Isaiah Manley: 6' 3"; Freshman

#33 Marin Mrduljas: 6' 6"; Sophomore

#5 Rashad Peeples: 6' 2"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#32 Vanja Mrduljas
: 6' 7"; Sophomore

#3 Darrion Pippen
: 6' 0"; Sophomore

#34 Logan Arteaga
: 6' 5"; Freshman

Jaylen Blakes
: 6' 3"; Freshman

#44 Kevin Edgecombe
: 7' 0"; Freshman

#11 Oscar Engfors
: 6' 8"; Freshman

#22 Isaiah Manley
: 6' 3"; Freshman

#33 Marin Mrduljas
: 6' 6"; Sophomore

#5 Rashad Peeples
: 6' 2"; Freshman