University of Massachusets Athletics
Meet The Minutemen: Mark Gasperini
September 10, 2020 | Men's Basketball
AMHERST, Mass. -- Over the next several weeks, we'll be introducing you to the newest members of the 2020-21 UMass men's basketball team. Today, meet Mark Gasperini, a graduate transfer from American.
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Gasperini, a native of Moscow, Russia, appeared in 88 games over three seasons at American, including 83 starts, averaging 10.3 points per game, 4.0 rebounds per game and nearly 25 minutes per game. As a senior in 2019-20 he started all 30 games, averaging 21.3 minutes per game, 8.9 points per game and 5.1 rebounds per game. Gasperini shot 49% (108-of-221) overall from the floor and had two double-doubles on the season, and recorded a season-high 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting at Army West Points (Jan. 8). He also set career-highs for blocks (four vs. Navy on Feb. 19) and steals (three; twice).
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"Mark is big and physical and can really pass as a frontcourt player," said head coach Matt McCall. He adds that experience factor into our team, and is also a versatile frontcourt player. He's going to compete in practice with and against Tre every day, and they'll make each other better. Mark is a high character kid, and getting a master's degree from UMass is very important to him."
Before arriving at American, Gasperini played AAU for Mass Rivals under coach Vin Pastore and attended Brimmer and May School in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts coached by Tom Nelson. He averaged 15.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game as a junior, and was selected to the Third Team All-NEPSAC. With Mass Rivals, Gasperini played in the Adidas Championship Game in Las Vegas.Â
UMass is coming off a 2019-20 campaign that saw the Minutemen finish eighth in the Atlantic 10 standings, its highest finish since 2015, and earn a first-round bye in the conference tournament for the first time since 2016 before the championship was cancelled due to COVID-19.
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Gasperini, a native of Moscow, Russia, appeared in 88 games over three seasons at American, including 83 starts, averaging 10.3 points per game, 4.0 rebounds per game and nearly 25 minutes per game. As a senior in 2019-20 he started all 30 games, averaging 21.3 minutes per game, 8.9 points per game and 5.1 rebounds per game. Gasperini shot 49% (108-of-221) overall from the floor and had two double-doubles on the season, and recorded a season-high 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting at Army West Points (Jan. 8). He also set career-highs for blocks (four vs. Navy on Feb. 19) and steals (three; twice).
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— UMass Basketball (@UMassBasketball) September 9, 2020
Over the next several weeks, we'll be introducing you to the newest members of the 2020-21 team. Today, meet @MarkGasperini, a grad transfer from American #Flagship?? pic.twitter.com/CpnucZTrMh
"Mark is big and physical and can really pass as a frontcourt player," said head coach Matt McCall. He adds that experience factor into our team, and is also a versatile frontcourt player. He's going to compete in practice with and against Tre every day, and they'll make each other better. Mark is a high character kid, and getting a master's degree from UMass is very important to him."
• A 6'10'' soccer player?
— UMass Basketball (@UMassBasketball) September 9, 2020
• Getting to know to the guys on the team
• Staying in shape during quarantine
• Bread in a can?
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Before arriving at American, Gasperini played AAU for Mass Rivals under coach Vin Pastore and attended Brimmer and May School in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts coached by Tom Nelson. He averaged 15.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game as a junior, and was selected to the Third Team All-NEPSAC. With Mass Rivals, Gasperini played in the Adidas Championship Game in Las Vegas.Â
UMass is coming off a 2019-20 campaign that saw the Minutemen finish eighth in the Atlantic 10 standings, its highest finish since 2015, and earn a first-round bye in the conference tournament for the first time since 2016 before the championship was cancelled due to COVID-19.
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Players Mentioned
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