LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Spalding University men's basketball team will tipoff the 2016-17 season Saturday evening against New Jersey City University at the Dan Greene Memorial Invitational in St. Mary's, Maryland.
The Golden Eagles tipoff the 2016-17 season with a very tough non-conference schedule. SU opens the season in Washington, D.C. taking on New Jersey City University and St Mary's College. The Golden Eagles will also play at Austin Peay University, an NCAA Division I opponent, then take on Centre College, Transylvania University and Hope College, who is ranked number 22 in the D3sports.com preseason top-25.
The Golden Eagles key returning players are
James Turner, as 6-3 wing who shoots well from beyond the arc and attacks the basket.
Nick Trisko, a 6-7 senior, who in his first season as a Golden Eagle averaged a double-double with 12.4 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. SU also brings back,
Rylan Rowe, who started 15 games as a freshman last season and avereaged 10.8 points per game in conference play, and
Dominique Ellis who appeared in 22 games averaging 7.5 points per game. Also returning,
James Abrams, a 6-7 forward, who sat out last season with an injury after starting as a sophomore. Other returners who should have an impact are
Keith Wallace, a 6-5 forward who has really improved in the offseason, and
Owen Mumphrey, a combo guard who should see a lot of action this season.
The Golden Eagles also brought in some talented newcomers.
Brandon Williams, a 6-6 forward with solid range and ability,
Andre Gleaton, a 6-1 freshman who shoots with good range, as well as,
DeMarcus Kennedy,
Steven Gordon,
Kobe Drake and Josh McKenzie,
Jorian Thompson,
Clayton Stovall,
Troy Black and
Chris Leon.
Heading into the season, the Golden Eagles are picked to finish second in the St Louis intercollegiate Conference (SLIAC). Over the past five years, the SLIAC has improved top to bottom in men's basketball, and should make for very though and
entertaining conference schedule this season.
Coach
Kevin Gray commented, "We are very excited about the opportunity to represent Spalding University men's basketball. Couple hard work with the talent we return and players we have brought in, we should compete for a conference championship. The 2016-17 season should be a very tough, fun and rewarding season."
