EASTON, Pa. - Head coach Mike McGarvey announced the addition of five first-year players to the men's basketball roster for the 2024-25 season on Wednesday morning.

Devin Hirshman, Caleb Williams, Alex Chaikin, Folabomi Fayemi and Malik Rasul will each join the roster out of high school and be eligible to compete in the upcoming fall semester.

"We're really excited to officially welcome this talented group of high character, hardworking newcomers to our roster and the Lafayette community. This class has an opportunity to make an immediate impact on College Hill," McGarvey said.

Devin Hirshman | G | 6-2 | 190 | Armonk, N.Y. | IMG Academy
Hirshman, a team captain, started in all four years of his high school career as a point guard, averaging 15 points, five assists and five rebounds per game. He has two siblings, Andrew and Maya. In his free time, Hirshman has raised over 5,000 dollars for cancer research. He also enjoys fashion and is a Marvel superfan.

"Having an additional ball handler and shot maker will add to our depth in practice. Devin's passion and basketball IQ will be an asset to our team on a daily basis."

Caleb Williams | G | 6-0 | 165 | Jacksonville, Fla. | Jean Ribault
Williams has four years of varsity starter experience in high school, posting a 23.6 points, 6.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game average. He holds the Jean Ribault High School career record for scoring over 1,500 points and doling out 600 assists and is a two-time Northeast Florida Boys Basketball Player of the Year, a three-time Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) All-State selection, a three-time FACCA Class 4A District 5 Player of the Year, and a three-time All-Gateway Conference Team honoree.

He has club experience playing for the Southeast Elite 3SSB under coach Anthony Ricks in Florida. Williams is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Beta Club, in addition to participating in the 5,000 Role Models of Excellence Service Project as a Ribault representative for Philemon Community Outreach. He plays the baritone in his free time.

"Caleb is a dynamic playmaker. Not only does he bring an array of talent, but he also has great confidence and determination to lead and win."

Alex Chaikin | G | 6-4 | 170 | Williamsburg, Va. | Trinity Episcopal
Chaikin comes to College Hill after four years at Trinity Episcopal, averaging 22 points, six rebounds and two assists per game in his senior season, where he was named an All-Prep League Team, a VISSA Division 1 All-State and an 804 All-Star Game selection. The senior captain set both the school's single-season record for 3-pointers made (108) and the career record for shots from beyond the arc (231) as the eighth all-time leading scorer. He played club basketball for Virginia Premier under coach Corey Stitzel.

Chaikin is a member of the Spanish, Chess and Finance, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Clubs. He has one sibling, Andrew, and his father, Erik Chaikin, swam at James Madison University. Chaikin enjoys golfing in his free time.

"A true shot maker from all over the court! As one of the best 3-point shooters with unlimited range from the state of Virginia, Alex's size for a guard in addition to his shot-making ability classifies him as an exciting addition to the Leopards."

Folabomi Fayemi | G | 6-4 | 205 | Chicago, Ill. | Culver Military Academy/South Kent
Fayemi played two years of basketball at Culver before competing for South Kent prior to Lafayette. At Culver, he averaged 12 points, six rebounds and three assists per game as an IHSAA Sectional Champion. He was crowned the Academy Defensive Player of the Year and an Academic All-State honoree in 2022-23 while performing as an Officer in the Corps of Cadets. Fayemi has club experience with both the Fundamental U under coach Weinstein and the Denard Bros under coaches Aubrey and Eddie Denard.

He has two siblings, Alexander and Elliott. Fayemi is fluent in French and has lived in six different countries while growing up.

"Folabomi was coached by Leopard alumni Raphael Chillious '96 at the extremely successful South Kent School last season. He brings an unprecedented physical presence and athleticism to our team."

Malik Rasul | F | 6-7 | 200 | Tucson, Ariz. | Westtown School
Rasul, averaging a double-double each year, has been a starter for Westtown for three seasons. The wing helped the Moose compete in the Friends School League semifinals. Rasul was selected to play in the 520 Exclusive Showcase in 2020 and has club experience with Strive For Greatness under coach Ed in Los Angeles, Calif. as well as WeR1 under coach Ron Martin in Wilmington, Del.

"Malik is a versatile forward that has the ability to impact play on both ends of the court. Additionally, he has an infectious positive spirit that we look forward to welcoming in our locker room."
 

For the latest on the Lafayette College men's basketball program, follow the Leopards on X @LafayetteMBB and Instagram @lafayettembb.