Mid-Major Basketball is the premier source for mid-major basketball coverage. Dive into the heart of the action with comprehensive coverage, insightful analysis and engaging content tailored specifically for fans of mid-major hoops. From the latest game highlights and player spotlights to in-depth articles and exclusive interviews, we bring you closer to the teams, players and stories that make mid-major basketball truly special. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual observer, Mid-Major Basketball is your go-to source for all things mid-major hoops.
Meet the Team
Dan Zielinski III, Founder/Editor-In-Chief
Dan Zielinski III is the creator of Mid-Major Basketball and has covered college basketball since 2013. He grew up around mid-major college basketball and has had a passion for writing about sports since high school when he started The3rdManIn.com in December 2011.
Zielinski, a Milwaukee native, honed his writing skills through internships and freelance work at UW-Milwaukee from 2013-17, gaining invaluable experience and building a reputation for his dedication to delivering accurate, engaging, and thought-provoking content. In college, he covered the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Milwaukee Panthers as a credentialed media member for four years.
After college, Zielinski worked as a full-time college athletics beat reporter for a daily newspaper in Nebraska for three years, covering the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Nebraska-Kearney, a Division II program. He also launched BaseballProspectJournal.com in 2019, and it is a leading source for MLB draft content. His work has been featured in major publications and on radio stations around the country.
Follow Zielinski on X (Twitter) @DanZielinski3.
Trey Weston, Senior National College Basketball Writer
Trey Weston is a writer and broadcaster who covers the intersection of food, pop culture, and college basketball — with a particular passion for the madness and magic of mid-major hoops. A credentialed media member at numerous high-profile events, including the NCAA Tournament, he brings a sharp eye and a love for storytelling to every press row he sits behind. When he’s not breaking down the latest bracket busters or highlighting the next under-the-radar star, you can find him on the mic calling games as a play-by-play broadcaster.
Follow Weston on X (Twitter) @treywestoniii.
Wesley Bryant, National College Basketball Writer
Wesley Bryant is a junior at the University of Cincinnati, majoring in Communications with a minor in Sports Administration. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, he is also a published poet, featured in Eber & Wein’s Best Poets of 2024.
Tyler Easterday, National College Basketball Writer
Tyler Easterday is a graduating senior at the University of Cincinnati, earning his bachelor’s degree in Journalism. With a family deeply rooted in basketball, both as players and passionate fans, he has always had a strong connection to the game. Outside of academics, he enjoys fishing, playing video games, and, most importantly, watching sports.
Follow Easterday on X (Twitter) @TEasterday47.
Isabel Martin, National College Basketball Writer
Isabel Martin is a junior at George Mason University pursuing a degree in communications with a concentration in journalism and sports media. She hopes to build a career in sports journalism. Outside of her studies, she serves as an assistant coach for cross country and track.
Follow Martin on X (Twitter) @BelleM43957.
Delonte Smith, National College Basketball Writer
Delonte Smith is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with a passion for sports and writing. He began freelance work covering college basketball and has reported on numerous mid-major conference tournaments and individual games for more than five years. Smith incorporates advanced data and matchup analysis into his coverage and consistently seeks out compelling storylines.
Follow Smith on X (Twitter) @xxLontexx.
Logan Adams, Ohio/Mid-American Conference Writer
Logan Adams is a student at Ohio University studying Journalism and Sport Management. Before working with Mid-Major Basketball, Adams held the position of Sports Editor at The Post, Ohio University’s premier student-run newspaper. Adams is a passionate basketball fan at all levels and is well-versed in the game.
Follow Adams on X (Twitter) @LoganPAdams.
Frank DeBari, St. Bonaventure/Atlantic 10 Conference Writer
Frank DeBari is a senior St. Bonaventure University. Being closely connected to the mid-major basketball world with prior broadcasting and writing experience, DeBari is well-versed in and knowledgeable about the college basketball world.
Follow DeBari on X (Twitter) @FrankDeBari.
Jake Gardner, Nevada/Mountain West Conference Writer
Jake Gardner is a senior at the University of Nevada, Reno, majoring in sports journalism with a focus on broadcast. He has contributed to the Nevada Sagebrush, the university’s student-run newspaper, and brings a strong knowledge of the game and the landscape of college basketball.
Follow Gardner on X (Twitter) @JakeyGOAT996.
Shaun Gervase, George Mason/Atlantic 10 Writer
Shaun Gervase is a junior at George Mason University, majoring in communication. For the past two years, he has worked as a play-by-play commentator on ESPN+ through the university’s student media program. His experience covering the conference, along with his passion for sports, continues to shape his growth as both a writer and commentator.
Follow Gervase on X (Twitter) @shaun_gervase.
Jack Laude, Milwaukee/Horizon League Writer
Jack Laude is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee studying Journalism, Advertising and Media Studies, specializing in Journalism. Jack has covered the men’s and women’s soccer and basketball programs for the UWM Post and Media Milwaukee. He is the assistant sports editor for the Post.
Follow Laude on X (Twitter) @Jack__Laude.
Latif Love, Bradley/Missouri Valley Conference Writer
Latif Love is a Sports Communications Major at Bradley University, where he is the co-editor-in-chief of the Bradley Scout. Love focuses on basketball and football in his writing to bridge the gap between numbers and casual viewing. After graduation, he plans to stay in the sports world as a writer, analyst, or basketball scout.
Follow Love on X (Twitter) @realLatifLove.
Chris Matthey, Longwood/Big South Conference Writer
Chris Matthey is a junior sports journalist and communications major at Longwood University. He writes for The Rotunda, Longwood’s student newspaper, where he has covered Longwood and Big South men’s and women’s basketball throughout his college career. He has twice reported from the Big South Conference tournament as credentialed media. He also has covered men’s and women’s soccer, softball and tennis. Matthey is passionate about connecting with athletes and coaches and plans to pursue a full-time career in sports journalism.
Follow Matthey on X (Twitter) @MattheyChris33.
Stella Nastulski, Milwaukee/Horizon League Photographer
Stella Nastulski is a senior attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, studying Journalism, Advertising and Media studies. Nastulski has enjoyed creating content for local teams, including Milwaukee Area Technical College’s men’s basketball team and other University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee athletics teams. She specializes in photography and social media management.
Follow Nastulski on X (Twitter) @stellanastulski.
Nick New, Memphis/American Conference Writer
Nick New is a junior at the University of Memphis studying Journalism with a concentration in Sports Media. New currently is the assistant sports editor for Memphis’ student newspaper, The Daily Helmsman, covering men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, football and softball for two semesters.
Follow New on X (Twitter) @NewNick901.
Babatunde Otukoya, Milwaukee/Horizon League Writer
Babatunde Otukoya is an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee majoring in Journalism, Advertising and Media Studies. His goal is to pursue a career in broadcast journalism.
Follow Otukoya on X (Twitter) @otukoyabc.
Ryan Pelillo, Rhode Island/Atlantic 10 Writer
Ryan Pelillo is a fourth-year sports media and communications student at the University of Rhode Island. He served as a staff reporter and an editor for the Good Five Cent Cigar, URI’s student newspaper. He also provides play-by-play and color commentary for Rhode Island athletics on ESPN+ and WRIU 90.3 FM. His passion for college basketball helps him take pride in his work.
Follow Pelillo on X (Twitter) @ryanpelillo.
Jason Ragusa, George Mason/Atlantic 10 Writer
Jason Ragusa is a rising senior at George Mason University, majoring in communication with a concentration in journalism. Ragusa has gained experience through student media, sharpening his skills in sports writing and storytelling. He is passionate about highlighting the narratives behind the game while keeping fans informed and engaged. He aspires to a career in sports journalism and is dedicated to strengthening his voice in basketball coverage.
Follow Ragusa on X (Twitter) @ragusasports.
Joel Scheve, Dayton/Atlantic 10 Conference Writer
Joel Scheve is a junior attending the University of Dayton studying Journalism. Scheve is currently a contributing writer for Dayton’s student newspaper, Flyer News, covering mens and womens basketball as well as football. Scheve also works as a member of the Dayton broadcast team.
Follow Scheve on X (Twitter) @joe1scheve.