Every fast break starts with a spark – a ground ball won, a quick outlet pass, a numbers advantage. But for the Boston Cannons last year, that spark rarely led to a flame. 

The Cannons finished dead last in fast-break shooting percentage in 2024, converting on just 19.3% of their opportunities, a sharp decline from their league-high 48.9% mark in 2022. While the regression sparked broader questions about the offense, head coach and general manager Brian Holman made it clear: This wasn’t about chemistry or scheme. It was about fit. Without a natural lefty attack presence to serve as a consistent outlet, Boston’s transition offense lost its identity.

“The first flow of transition is typically through your left-handed attackman,” Holman explained. “Most fast breaks come down that right alley, and the lefty’s the natural outlet.”

Alas, the Cannons didn’t have a natural lefty attackman to be that outlet. Matt Kavanagh struggled to find a rhythm, Will Manny never suited up, Pat Kavanagh was a right-handed player on the wrong side of the field, and the team cycled through options like Mike Robinson and Chris Aslanian all season long.

“Last year, we didn’t get anything out of [transition],” Holman said. “I thought our transition game was effective from D to O, but the production was way down.”

“You look at the way we want to play," he added, "we really like to push the ball down the field."

Luckily, Holman and his staff knew exactly what they were looking for this time around in the 2025 College Draft presented by Q-Collar.

No. 4 overall pick Coulter Mackesy’s skill set directly addresses that drop-off. The Princeton product doesn’t need high usage to be effective. He’s sharp off-ball, can catch and shoot in rhythm, and understands where to be in unsettled situations. That spatial awareness gives Boston a true transition outlet – someone who can punish early help and finish on the move.

“He doesn’t need to hold the ball,” Holman noted. “He gets to the right spot and finishes.”

Mackesy fits the Cannons’ system as a lefty who thrives in tempo. He moves well without the ball, finishes in stride and understands how to stay in sync with a fast-paced offense. His off-ball IQ will give Boston a reliable outlet during transition, especially when defenses collapse on Asher Nolting. 

“If he can beat out Will [Manny],” Holman said, “he’s going to add a completely different dynamic to our offense this year.”

The Cannons built their identity on pace and movement. Mackesy adds a left-side option who complements that identity. With his ability to keep the offense fluid and dangerous in unsettled moments, Boston finally has the balance it needs to push for a title.