The Pitt-Johnstown men’s basketball program enters the 2025–26 season with a mix of proven experience and one of the most talented incoming classes in history as coach Bob Rukavina enters his 37th year leading the Mountain Cats.
This year’s group is the largest roster of his tenure, featuring 20 players, including nine newcomers – one of the largest freshman classes for the program. Among the new faces are four international players from Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, adding a global flare to a roster that is already in position to compete.
The Mountain Cats return six lettermen, all with starting experience and significant rotation minutes from 2024-25. Sophomore Jay Rose headlines the returners after a stellar freshman campaign in which he averaged 14.4 points per game on nearly 50% shooting, scoring in double figures 17 times, including a career-high 35 points.
Junior forward Baden Forup, who transferred from Capital University a year ago, made an immediate impact, leading the team in field goal percentage (60%), while averaging 13.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. His production in limited minutes (23.7 minutes) made him one of the PSAC’s most efficient big men, and he’ll once again be counted on to anchor the front court.
Will Kromka, the team’s lone senior and captain, returns for his final season after starting the past two years. Known for his leadership, effort and selflessness, Kromka sets the tone for the program both on and off the court. Joining him as team captain is Nick Watts, a fourth-year player whose tireless work ethic and continued development position him for an expanded role this season.
Junior Vinnie Cugini started 20 games in 2024-25 and averaged 8.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per contest. A dangerous scorer in transition and a relentless driver in the half court, Cugini’s continued growth has been evident throughout the preseason.
Sophomore guard Adam “Bomber” Bilinsky brings defensive intensity and athleticism to the backcourt. One of the team’s best on-ball defenders, Bilinsky’s all-around skill set allows him to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Windber Area High School graduate Tanner Barkley, the only freshman to dress in 2024-25, provides a steady presence and exceptional basketball IQ. Known for consistently making the right plays, Barkley is poised to contribute.
After redshirting in 2024-25, Keegan Smetanka and Noah Prosser are set to make their Mountain Cat debuts. Smetanka has the ability to be a primary ball-handler and playmaker, while Prosser’s perimeter shooting gives the team another legitimate option from beyond the arc.
Adding further depth are guard-forward hybrids Craig Jarvis and Nate Sprajcar, who are capable of providing versatility and energy off the bench. Jarvis, a Berlin Brothersvalley product, combines defensive toughness with shot-making ability, while Sprajcar’s length and improved all-around game make him an intriguing weapon.
Among the highly touted newcomers, freshmen guards Ryan Calo (Ireland) and Cedric Rault (Australia) are expected to play significant minutes immediately. Calo is a marksman from deep who can also create off the dribble, while Rault’s vision and scoring touch make him a natural playmaker.
Freshman Adam Barton, a 6-foot-9 forward, provides inside-out versatility with his ability to stretch defenses from the perimeter. Fellow first-year Marcel Finkley, a combo guard from Youngstown, Ohio, brings a polished mid-range game and the flexibility to play either guard position.
Freshmen Jake Calo, Fernando Nieves-Font, Hank Roesch, Carter Tumulty and Nate Moore will redshirt this season, affording them the time to develop within the program.
With a seasoned core, talented young additions and a bevy of depth at multiple positions, Rukavina’s 2025-26 Mountain Cats are built to compete in the always-rugged Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
