Bucknell University Athletics
Introducing the Bucknell Men’s Basketball Newcomers
8/28/2024 3:41:00 PM | Men's Basketball
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Second-year head men's basketball coach John Griffin III has welcomed four new players to the squad for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Guard Jayden Williams committed during the early signing period last November, guard Achile Spadone comes in as a transfer from Davidson, and guard Matt Lange and forward Kellen Welch round out a promising first-year class.
"I am very excited about these four newcomers, both in terms of the character that they bring to our locker room and the talent that they bring to the floor," said Griffin. "Jayden, Achile, and Matt were all here with us this summer, and they all fit seamlessly into our team culture. I can't wait to see what they can do this season."
The four new Bison join 11 returnees from last year's team that finished 10-8 in Patriot League play, good for a tie for second place in the regular-season standings. The 2024-25 season kicks off on Nov. 4 at Delaware, with the home opener on Nov. 13 against Mount St. Mary's.
Here's a closer look at this year's newcomers:
#24 ACHILE SPADONE
Junior | 6'4" | Guard | Geneva Switzerland | St. Thomas More (Conn.) | Davidson College
Spadone Fun Fact: Achile was a teammate of Noah Williamson at St. Thomas More, where he played for legendary coach Jere Quinn, the father of former Bison Matt Quinn '04.
High School/Davidson/Personal: Born Sept. 24, 2003 in Geneva, Switzerland … son of Heloise and Christophe Spadone … has two siblings, Elliot and Romeo … 2021 graduate of iCademy Middle East, a Dubai-based American online school … attended St. Thomas More in Connecticut in 2021-22 … captained the Switzerland National Team at the U18 and U16 levels … played two seasons at Davidson, scoring 99 points in 57 games … career-high nine points and five rebounds against Ohio in 2023-24.
Griffin on Spadone: "Achile Spadone brings a veteran presence to our backcourt. His competitiveness and experience from Davidson have already made a significant impact on our team's dynamics. Achile's tenacity and leadership on the court are invaluable. Achile also competes with the Switzerland Men's National Team which is an amazing point of pride. His ability to make shots and defend at a high level will be a great addition to our team."
#2 JAYDEN WILLIAMS
Freshman | 5'10" | Guard | Bronx, N.Y. | Blair Academy (N.J.)
Williams Fun Fact: Jayden was born on March 18, 2005, which was the day that Bucknell defeated Kansas in one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Tournament history.
High School/Personal: Born March 18, 2005 … son of Patricia and Dwayne Williams … has two siblings, Demani and Abigail … 2024 graduate of Blair Academy in Blairstown, N.J., where he helped lead the basketball team to four straight MAPL championships and a New Jersey Prep A state title as a senior … averaged 11.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game and shot 39 percent from 3-point range as a senior … also played with PSA Cardinals EYBL.
Griffin on Williams: "Jayden Williams is a fierce competitor with a relentless work ethic. As a freshman from Blair, he has already shown a remarkable ability to challenge himself and his teammates, pushing everyone to elevate their game. Having competed on the EYBL circuit with PSA Cardinals, Jayden brings a fearlessness to our program that we will tap into immediately. His playmaking ability combined with a floor general-like approach will make Jayden a fan favorite in Sojka. Along with that, Jayden's personality is infectious, constantly elevating others with his smile and energy."
#7 MATT LANGE
Freshman | 6'2" | Guard | Newtown Square, Pa. | The Shipley School
Lange Fun Fact: Matt's father, Billy Lange, is the head coach at Saint Joseph's, and his brother, Will, plays for the Hawks.
High School/Personal: Born May 9, 2005 … son of Alicia and Billy Lange … has three brothers, William, Marcus, and Jacob … 2024 graduate of The Shipley School, where he captained the basketball team and earned All-Main Line Honorable Mention … averaged 10.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game … recorded two double-doubles … also played for K-Low Elite AAU and Shoreshots HGSL.
Griffin on Lange: "Matt Lange's competitive spirit is evident every time he steps on the court. Coming from Shipley and K-Low Elite AAU, Matt has a drive and determination that sets him apart, always striving for excellence and never backing down from a challenge. His energy and passion for the game are clear, and we are excited to have Matt as a Bucknell Bison."
#32 KELLEN WELCH
Freshman | 6'7" | Forward | Richmond, Va. | St. Christopher's
Welch Fun Fact: When Kellen steps on the court for the first time, he and his father, Tom Welch '97, will become the first father-son duo to play basketball at Bucknell.
High School/Personal: Born Nov. 15, 2005 in San Francisco … son of Karen (Horn) and Tom Welch … has a younger brother, Connor … both parents were student-athletes at Bucknell … father played basketball, appearing in 95 career games … averaged 7.6 points and 4.2 rebounds as a senior … mother competed in track & field and earned All-Patriot League honors in 1996 … 2024 graduate of St. Christopher's School in Richmond, where he captained the basketball team and also lettered twice in soccer … helped the hoops team win a school-record 25 games and advance to the VISAA state semifinals … also played club basketball for Team Richmond … part of a St. Christopher's soccer team that won a state championship and was ranked No. 20 in the nation in 2022.
Griffin on Welch: "Kellen Welch's competitiveness is a standout trait. After an excellent senior season, we are excited that he chose to join our program. As a perimeter threat, he can stretch the floor for us offensively. He is the son of two great alums, Karen Horn Welch and Tom Welch, with Tom also being a former Bucknell Basketball player."
"I am very excited about these four newcomers, both in terms of the character that they bring to our locker room and the talent that they bring to the floor," said Griffin. "Jayden, Achile, and Matt were all here with us this summer, and they all fit seamlessly into our team culture. I can't wait to see what they can do this season."
The four new Bison join 11 returnees from last year's team that finished 10-8 in Patriot League play, good for a tie for second place in the regular-season standings. The 2024-25 season kicks off on Nov. 4 at Delaware, with the home opener on Nov. 13 against Mount St. Mary's.
Here's a closer look at this year's newcomers:
#24 ACHILE SPADONE
Junior | 6'4" | Guard | Geneva Switzerland | St. Thomas More (Conn.) | Davidson College
Spadone Fun Fact: Achile was a teammate of Noah Williamson at St. Thomas More, where he played for legendary coach Jere Quinn, the father of former Bison Matt Quinn '04.
High School/Davidson/Personal: Born Sept. 24, 2003 in Geneva, Switzerland … son of Heloise and Christophe Spadone … has two siblings, Elliot and Romeo … 2021 graduate of iCademy Middle East, a Dubai-based American online school … attended St. Thomas More in Connecticut in 2021-22 … captained the Switzerland National Team at the U18 and U16 levels … played two seasons at Davidson, scoring 99 points in 57 games … career-high nine points and five rebounds against Ohio in 2023-24.
Griffin on Spadone: "Achile Spadone brings a veteran presence to our backcourt. His competitiveness and experience from Davidson have already made a significant impact on our team's dynamics. Achile's tenacity and leadership on the court are invaluable. Achile also competes with the Switzerland Men's National Team which is an amazing point of pride. His ability to make shots and defend at a high level will be a great addition to our team."
#2 JAYDEN WILLIAMS
Freshman | 5'10" | Guard | Bronx, N.Y. | Blair Academy (N.J.)
Williams Fun Fact: Jayden was born on March 18, 2005, which was the day that Bucknell defeated Kansas in one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Tournament history.
High School/Personal: Born March 18, 2005 … son of Patricia and Dwayne Williams … has two siblings, Demani and Abigail … 2024 graduate of Blair Academy in Blairstown, N.J., where he helped lead the basketball team to four straight MAPL championships and a New Jersey Prep A state title as a senior … averaged 11.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game and shot 39 percent from 3-point range as a senior … also played with PSA Cardinals EYBL.
Griffin on Williams: "Jayden Williams is a fierce competitor with a relentless work ethic. As a freshman from Blair, he has already shown a remarkable ability to challenge himself and his teammates, pushing everyone to elevate their game. Having competed on the EYBL circuit with PSA Cardinals, Jayden brings a fearlessness to our program that we will tap into immediately. His playmaking ability combined with a floor general-like approach will make Jayden a fan favorite in Sojka. Along with that, Jayden's personality is infectious, constantly elevating others with his smile and energy."
#7 MATT LANGE
Freshman | 6'2" | Guard | Newtown Square, Pa. | The Shipley School
Lange Fun Fact: Matt's father, Billy Lange, is the head coach at Saint Joseph's, and his brother, Will, plays for the Hawks.
High School/Personal: Born May 9, 2005 … son of Alicia and Billy Lange … has three brothers, William, Marcus, and Jacob … 2024 graduate of The Shipley School, where he captained the basketball team and earned All-Main Line Honorable Mention … averaged 10.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game … recorded two double-doubles … also played for K-Low Elite AAU and Shoreshots HGSL.
Griffin on Lange: "Matt Lange's competitive spirit is evident every time he steps on the court. Coming from Shipley and K-Low Elite AAU, Matt has a drive and determination that sets him apart, always striving for excellence and never backing down from a challenge. His energy and passion for the game are clear, and we are excited to have Matt as a Bucknell Bison."
#32 KELLEN WELCH
Freshman | 6'7" | Forward | Richmond, Va. | St. Christopher's
Welch Fun Fact: When Kellen steps on the court for the first time, he and his father, Tom Welch '97, will become the first father-son duo to play basketball at Bucknell.
High School/Personal: Born Nov. 15, 2005 in San Francisco … son of Karen (Horn) and Tom Welch … has a younger brother, Connor … both parents were student-athletes at Bucknell … father played basketball, appearing in 95 career games … averaged 7.6 points and 4.2 rebounds as a senior … mother competed in track & field and earned All-Patriot League honors in 1996 … 2024 graduate of St. Christopher's School in Richmond, where he captained the basketball team and also lettered twice in soccer … helped the hoops team win a school-record 25 games and advance to the VISAA state semifinals … also played club basketball for Team Richmond … part of a St. Christopher's soccer team that won a state championship and was ranked No. 20 in the nation in 2022.
Griffin on Welch: "Kellen Welch's competitiveness is a standout trait. After an excellent senior season, we are excited that he chose to join our program. As a perimeter threat, he can stretch the floor for us offensively. He is the son of two great alums, Karen Horn Welch and Tom Welch, with Tom also being a former Bucknell Basketball player."
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