ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Roberts Wesleyan University men's basketball program is pleased to announce its incoming recruiting class for the 2023-24 season.

The class includes three freshmen and three juniors. Three student-athletes are from Massachusetts, with the others hailing from New York, California and Florida.

"We are delighted to welcome the newest members of our Redhawks' men's basketball family," said head coach Mark Saladzius, who is entering his fifth full season as head coach at his alma mater. "We look forward to seeing them grow and develop as people and are eager to see them become contributing members of the men's basketball program and the Roberts Wesleyan community."

The Redhawks are coming off a 10-16 season that saw them earn the No. 5 seed in the East Coast Conference Championship Tournament. Roberts advanced to the ECC semifinals for the third straight season.

Here is a closer look at the newest members of the men's basketball program:

Marat Belhouchet

Hometown: Newton, Mass. 
High School: Newton North
Year: Freshman
Position: Guard
Height: 5-10
Parents: Alla and Lahcene Belhouchet 
Major: Business Administration
Before Roberts: Scored game-high 22 points for Newton North in state Division I championship game … Spent last season playing at SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio.
I chose Roberts because: "I'm able to get an education and play college basketball at a high level."

Kevin Constant

Hometown: Lawrence, Mass.
High School/College: Central Catholic/Le Moyne
Year: Junior
Position: Guard
Height: 6-1
Parents: Julie Constant and Jules Constant Plaisime
 Major: Sports Marketing Management
Before Roberts: Starred at Central Catholic High School, where he averaged 18.5 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists per game while earning Merrimack Valley Conference MVP … Was named Player of the Year by The Boston Globe and first-team all-state by USA Today … Attended prep school at Tilton School in New Hampshire, where he averaged 14.6 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists per game … Was named NEPSAC Honorable Mention … Played two seasons at Le Moyne, where he averaged 10.5 points per game and led the team in steals in 2021-22 … Appeared in 29 games and averaged 5.5 points in 2022-23.
I chose Roberts because: "of the coaching staff."

Elijah Edwards

 
Hometown: Hemet, Calif.
High School: West Valley
Year: Freshman
Position: Forward
Height: 6-6
Parents: Treneice and Robert Edwards 
Major: Business Administration
Before Roberts: Three-time Mountain Pass League MVP … Also received John Chambers Award and was named MVP of his high school team four times.
I chose Roberts because: "The recruitment process felt the most natural and genuine. I felt positive energy and good spirits all around from the coaching staff and players throughout the process. It's also always been a dream of mine to live in New York."

Isaiah Elmore

Hometown: Tampa, Fla.
High School: Tampa Catholic
Year: Junior
Position: Forward
Height: 6-9
Parent: Raquel Clark
Major: Psychology
Before Roberts: Played two seasons at Le Moyne … Started 17 of the 18 games that he played in last season, averaging 5.8 points and 5.0 rebounds … Ranked fifth in the Northeast-10 with 1.2 blocked shots per game last season.
I chose Roberts because: "I want to be in a place were I am able to succeed to my highest ability in both the classroom and on the court while making long lasting friendships along the way."

Jonald Joseph

Hometown: Malden, Mass.
High School: Malden
Year: Freshman
Position: Forward
Height: 6-6
Parents: Jorsiena Victor and Alix Joseph
Major: Business
Before Roberts: Named to the Greater Boston League First-Team … Played in the Lynn Classical summer all-star game.
I chose Roberts because: "I wanted to keep on building my basketball career and education, and I think Roberts is the best school for that."
 

Jermaine Taggart

Hometown: Rochester, NY
High School: McQuaid Jesuit
Year: Junior
Position: Guard/Forward
Height: 6-4
Parents: Tiffany and Jermaine Taggart Sr.
Major: Psychology
Before Roberts: Enjoyed a standout career at McQuaid, scoring more than 1,000 points and winning two Section V championships … Averaged 23 points per game and was named 10^th-team all-state as a senior … Was named MVP of the 2019 Class AA Tournament and made the All-Tournament team at the NYSPHSAA Class AA championships … Attended St. Bonaventure and College of Saint Rose before transferring to Roberts, where his father also played basketball.
I chose Roberts because: "of its exceptional balance between academics and athletics. Another big part of why I chose Roberts was its inclusive environment. From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt a strong sense of community and belonging. The coaching staff, fellow athletes, and even non-athletic students were genuinely supportive and encouraging. … Feeling embraced by the university's community from day one made me confident that I had made the right choice, not just as a student-athlete, but as a member of the Roberts Wesleyan University family."