Eastern Michigan Athletics
Thursday, November 21
Rochester, Mich.
7 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
at
Oakland
Eastern Michigan Battling Oakland Thursday in Rochester
11/19/2024 3:18:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Eagles and Golden Grizzlies set for 7 p.m. tip at OU Credit Union O'Rena
| Men's Basketball at Oakland | |
| Date | Thursday, Nov. 21 | 7 p.m. |
| Venue | OU Credit Union O'Rena (4,000) | Rochester, Mich. |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes (PDF) | Media Guide (PDF) |
| Live Stats | Fan Stats | Media Stats |
| Watch | ESPN+ at Oakland |
| Listen | WEMU (89.1 WEMU-FM) | The Varsity Network App | Eastern Insider Podcast |
| @EMU_MBB | @EMUAthletics | |
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team will battle Oakland University Thursday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. inside the Athletics Center O'Rena as the teams meet for the third-consecutive season.
ON AIR
Eastern Michigan and Oakland will air on ESPN+ from the Athletics Center O'Rena. Tom Helmer will have the call live on WEMU (89.1 FM) and the Varsity Network App.
OPENING TIPS
»Eastern led 61-59 with less than four minutes to play at Cleveland State, Nov. 16, but ultimately fell, 71-63, after the Vikings rattled off nine-straight points.
»After matching his career-highs with 28 points, six made three-pointers, and three steals in a 74-71 win at IU-Indy, Nov. 14, senior Jalen Terry, followed it up with another impressive showing at Cleveland State, Nov. 16. Terry scored 25 points behind six made three-pointers.
»Terry is the first player from the MAC to score 25 points with six three-pointers in back-to-back games since Jordan Dartis for Ohio University back in 2019. Since the start of the 2002-03 season, only five MAC players have accomplished that feat as Terry is the only Eagle to do so. If Terry scores 25 points with six-plus three-pointers against Oakland, Nov. 21, he would be the first MAC player to do so in three-straight games since Michael Bramos for Miami in 2008.
»Terry, who shot a robust 45.2% from downtown at DePaul in 2023-24, has converted six three-pointers in back-to-back contests, the first Eagle do so since Carlos Medlock in 2006. If Terry can make six three-pointers in another game this season, he would be the first Eagle to have three games with six-plus three-pointers since at least 2002-03.
»Senior Yusuf Jihad, who transferred from Oakland, will return to the O'rena after netting 15 points against his former school last season, when the Golden Grizzlies topped the Eagles, 77-63, Dec. 8, 2023 in Ypsilanti.
»Eastern Michigan's Stan Heath is in his fourth year at the helm of the Eagles, holding a 33-64 record at EMU and a 242-271 record over 17 years as a head coach.
JT 25+ POINTS, 6+ THREE-POINTERS
Senior Jalen Terry has back-to-back games with at least 25 points and six made three-pointers. He is one of five MAC players to accomplish that feat and the first to do so since Jordan Dartis for Ohio University in 2019. If Terry can do so in a third-straight game, he would be the first MAC player to do so since Michael Bramos for Miami in 2008.
MAC Players With 25 Points AND 6 Three-Pointers in CONSECUTIVE Games (Since 2002-03):
MOH Michael Bramos 4 Dec. 3-13, 2008
EMU Jalen Terry 2 Nov. 14-16, 2024
OU Jordan Dartis 2 Nov. 24-30, 2019
CMU Marcus Keene 2 (x2) Dec. 3-6, 2016; Jan. 17-21, 2017
BSU Skip Mills 2 March 4-6, 2006
Terry is one of just five Eagles since 2002-03 to record multiple games with at least 25 points and six made three-pointers in a season. He would be the first in that time frame to record three such games.
EMU Players With 25 Points AND 6 Three-Pointers TOTAL Games in One Season (Since 2002-03):
Jalen Terry 2 2024-25
Tyson Acuff 2 2022-23
Emoni Bates 2 2022-23
Elijah Minnie 2 2018-19
Willie Mangum 2 2016-17
Terry is also the first Eagle since Carlos Medlock, Feb. 11-15, 2006, to knock down six three-pointers in back-to-back games.
JT REBOUNDING AT 6-FEET TALL
Despite standing at 6'0, Jalen Terry is averaging a team-high 7.3 rebounds per game, which ranks fifth in the MAC. He is the only player 6'1 or shorter listed in the NCAA top 358 rebounders (6.3 rpg or higher).
Rank Player Height RPG School
T203. Jalen Terry 6-0 7.3 Eastern Michigan
DOUBLE-DIGIT OFFENSIVE REBOUNDS
The Eagles have impressive offensive rebounding totals so far this season, reaching double figures in all four contests to start the year.
EMU has double-digit rebounds in its first four games for the first time to start a season since the 2020-21 season. The Eagles have not produced double-digit offensive rebounds in the season's first five games since at least 2002-03.
Offensive Rebounds
15 at Texas State (Nov. 4)
14 vs. Siena Heights (Nov. 8)
11 at IU-Indy (Nov. 14)
14 at Cleveland State (Nov. 16)
Eastern had a stretch of seven-consecutive games with at least 10 offensive rebounds late in the 2023-24 season.
NOTABLE TEAM MAC RANKINGS SO FAR
Eastern has seen success on the offensive glass and the defensive side of the ball in the early part of the season.
MAC Rankings:
1st Rebounds/Game 38.8
1st Offensive Rebounding 13.5
1st Field Goal % Defense .382
t2nd Scoring Defense 66.0
J-BILL STUFFS THE STAT SHEET IN HOME OPENER
Senior Jalin Billingsley recorded a MAC season-high 32 points in the 83-58 win over Siena Heights, Nov. 8. He also hauled in 10 rebounds to give him the second double-double of his career, with his other coming via a 13-point, 10-rebound performance at Miami, March 2, 2024.
Top MAC Scoring Efforts in 2024-25:
1. Jalin Billingsley (EMU) 32 Siena Heights (Nov. 8)
2. Javontae Campbell (BGSU) 30 Davidson (Nov. 8)
t3. Jalen Terry (EMU) 28 IU-Indy (Nov. 14)
t3. Ryan Sabol (UB) 28 Fredonia (Nov. 8)
31 IU-INDY MADE FREE THROWS IN WIN
IU-Indy was 31-for-35 on free throws against EMU, Nov. 14. The 31 makes are the most by an EMU foe in an EMU win in regulation since Ohio made 33, Feb. 14, 2017, as Eastern won, 79-71.
21 ASSISTS VS. SIENA HEIGHTS, NOV. 8
Led by freshman Dillon Tingler's five assists, the Eagles had 21 assists, their most since recording 26 against Central State, Dec. 8, 2018.
SEVEN BLOCKS VS. SIENA HEIGHTS, NOV. 8
Led by senior Jalin Billingsley's three blocks against Siena Heights, Nov. 8, the Eagles' seven rejections are their most since swatting eight blocks in an overtime game at Central Michigan, March 8, 2024. EMU last had seven blocks in regulation against Adrian, Dec. 9, 2020 (eight).
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 617-STRAIGHT GAM3S
Eastern, which hit seven threes against Cleveland State, Nov. 16, 2024, has now hit at least one triple in 617-straight games. EMU last failed to score from downtown Jan. 24, 2004, when Miami held the Eagles to 0-of-7 from behind the arc.
YUSUF JIHAD AGAINST HIS FORMER TEAM
Senior Yusuf Jihad, who transferred from Oakland after one season in 2020-21, netted 15 points against his former team in the 77-63 loss to the Golden Grizzlies, Dec. 8, 2023. Jihad had two points and two rebounds over seven minutes at Oakland, Nov. 19, 2022.
2024-25 PRESEASON ALL-MAC TEAMS
First Team
Payton Sparks, Senior, Center, Ball State
Anthony Pritchard, Senior, Guard, Central Michigan
VonCameron Davis, R-Senior, Forward, Kent State
AJ Clayton, Senior, Forward, Ohio
Javan Simmons, Sophomore, Forward, Toledo
Second Team
Isaiah Gray, Senior, Guard, Akron
Jalen Sullinger, Senior, Guard, Kent State
Shereef Mitchell, Graduate Student, Guard, Ohio
AJ Brown, R-Sophomore, Guard, Ohio
Isaiah Adams, Fifth Year, Guard, Toledo
PRESEASON PICKED 11TH
After finishing 10th in 2023-24, EMU was picked ninth in the MAC preseason coaches' poll.
2024-25 MAC Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Ohio (11) – 121
2. Akron (1) – 106
3. Kent State – 99
4. Toledo – 95
5. Bowling Green – 73
6. Miami – 72
7. Ball State – 67
8. Central Michigan – 55
9. Eastern Michigan – 36
10. Western Michigan – 33
11. Northern Illinois – 24
12. Buffalo – 11
Tournament Champion: Ohio (8), Kent State (3), Toledo (1)
The six Ohio schools made up the top six while the bottom six is filled with the rest of the MAC schools.
MICHIGAN MATCH-UPS
The Eagles play three in-state opponents in non-conference action with contests against Siena Heights (Nov. 8), Oakland (Nov. 21), and Detroit Mercy (Nov. 30).
NEW FOE, WHO DIS?
The Eagles added competition against three first-time opponents this season; they face off against Texas State, Nov. 4 (L, 44-64), Houston Christian, Nov. 25, and Wright State, Dec. 21.
FIVE OF SIX TRUE ROAD GAMES TO START
Eastern Michigan has five true road games in its first six contests to start the season for the first time since 1936-37 when Elton J. Rynearson was the head coach. EMU's football stadium is named "Rynearson Stadium" in his honor.
WHO'S BACK??
EMU returns four players from its 2023-24 roster including seniors Jalin Billingsley, Yusuf Jihad, and Micah Schnyders, as well as sophomore Arne Osojnik.
WHO'S GONE??
EMU lost 10 players from its 2023-24 game one roster including Tyson Acuff (Rutgers), Orlando Lovejoy (Detroit Mercy), Legend Geeter (Detroit Mercy), Conner Serven (Virginia Tech), Cyril Martynov (Eastern Kentucky), Julius Ellerbe (Coppin State), John McGriff (transfer portal - no destination), Javantae Randle (Central State), Prakash Ketterhagen (Lourdes), and Andrew Wells (graduation). The Eagles also lost Director of Operations LaMonta Stone (Assistant Coach - Detroit Mercy) and Graduate Assistant Nick Madray (graduation --> Utah Jazz).
WHAT'S GONE??
EMU lost 1,332 of its 2,047 points (65.07%) from the 2023-24 season, most notably leading scorer Tyson Acuff, who averaged 21.7 ppg (8th in the nation) on 43/29/81 shooting splits and transferred to Rutgers.
FRESH FACES
EMU added 11 newcomers to its 2024-25 roster including seniors Jalen Terry (DePaul), Da'Sean Nelson (DePaul), John Shanu II (UTRGV), and Cooper Smith (Michigan), juniors Christian Henry (Panola College), Julian Lewis (Miami), and Trey Pettigrew (Salt Lake CC), and freshmen Mario Brunetto (Classical Gymnasium), Mbaye N'Diaye (SEED Academy), Godslove Nwabude (Zion Prep), and Dillon Tingler (Huntington Prep).
DEPAUL DUO TO YPSILANTI
Jalen Terry and Da'Sean Nelson both came to Ypsilanti from DePaul and are expected to have big roles for the Eagles in 2024-25. Terry averaged 8.5 ppg and Nelson scored 9.7 ppg for the Blue Demons in 2023-24.
STAYING HOME
Eastern Michigan has just four players (Yusuf Jihad, Farmington Hills; Jalen Terry, Flint; Cooper Smith, Mio; and Julian Lewis, Ypsilanti) from the Mitten State on its 2024-25 roster, EMU's fewest since 2020-21 (four).
INTERNATIONAL INFLUX
International student-athlete representation doubled on the Eagles 15-player roster this season, as they added three true freshmen from Senegal (Mbaye N'Diaye), Nigeria (Godslove Nwabude), and Italy (Mario Brunetto), respectively. The trio joins sophomore Arne Osojnik who represented Slovenia twice as a member of the U18 national team at the Euro Championships. A complete breakdown of the EMU roster can be found on page 11.
Most international true freshmen in the nation:
1. Buffalo - 6
2. Florida Atlantic - 5
t3. Eastern Michigan - 3
Manhattan - 3
Oregon State - 3
San Francisco - 3
Seattle - 3
UT-Martin - 3
Weber State - 3
Most African true freshmen in the nation:
t1. Eastern Michigan - 2
Seton Hall - 2
Osojnik is one of five players from Slovenia in the country.
Slovenian MBB Players at NCAA Division I:
Arne Osojnik - Eastern Michigan
Klemen Vuga - UAPB
Urban Klavzar - Florida
Jan Vide - LMU (Calif.)
Sasa Ciani - UIC
Brunetto is one of 17 Italians players while N'Diaye is one of 32 Sengalese players and Nwabude is one of 38 Nigerian players.
DOUBLEHEADER DAY
The Eagles are scheduled to play three double-headers with the EMU women's basketball team in 2023-24 with four of the five doubleheaders taking place in Ypsilanti. Both the EMU men's and women's teams will play Jan. 11 (vs. Akron), Feb. 15 (men vs. Toledo, women vs. Ball State), and Feb. 22 (Northern Illinois).
The men's team was 5-0 at home in doubleheader games in 2023-24.
EMONI BATES NBA + G-LEAGUE
Former Eagle Emoni Bates was named a G-League All-Star with the Cleveland Charge in 2023-24, averaging 24.8 ppg. Bates also appeared in 15 games with the Cavaliers during the 2023-24 season. He underwent surgery in early October to repair a torn meniscus and is expected to return to action at some point during the 2024-25 season.
NEXT UP
Eastern Michigan will travel to Houston for the Houston Christian MTE. The Eagles will battle Houston Christian, Nov. 25, before taking on Northern Arizona, Nov. 26.
FOLLOW US
For the most up-to-date information on the Eagles, visit EMUEagles.com. Fans can also follow the team on social media, including Twitter (@EMU_MBB) and Instagram (@EMUMBB).
ON AIR
Eastern Michigan and Oakland will air on ESPN+ from the Athletics Center O'Rena. Tom Helmer will have the call live on WEMU (89.1 FM) and the Varsity Network App.
OPENING TIPS
»Eastern led 61-59 with less than four minutes to play at Cleveland State, Nov. 16, but ultimately fell, 71-63, after the Vikings rattled off nine-straight points.
»After matching his career-highs with 28 points, six made three-pointers, and three steals in a 74-71 win at IU-Indy, Nov. 14, senior Jalen Terry, followed it up with another impressive showing at Cleveland State, Nov. 16. Terry scored 25 points behind six made three-pointers.
»Terry is the first player from the MAC to score 25 points with six three-pointers in back-to-back games since Jordan Dartis for Ohio University back in 2019. Since the start of the 2002-03 season, only five MAC players have accomplished that feat as Terry is the only Eagle to do so. If Terry scores 25 points with six-plus three-pointers against Oakland, Nov. 21, he would be the first MAC player to do so in three-straight games since Michael Bramos for Miami in 2008.
»Terry, who shot a robust 45.2% from downtown at DePaul in 2023-24, has converted six three-pointers in back-to-back contests, the first Eagle do so since Carlos Medlock in 2006. If Terry can make six three-pointers in another game this season, he would be the first Eagle to have three games with six-plus three-pointers since at least 2002-03.
»Senior Yusuf Jihad, who transferred from Oakland, will return to the O'rena after netting 15 points against his former school last season, when the Golden Grizzlies topped the Eagles, 77-63, Dec. 8, 2023 in Ypsilanti.
»Eastern Michigan's Stan Heath is in his fourth year at the helm of the Eagles, holding a 33-64 record at EMU and a 242-271 record over 17 years as a head coach.
JT 25+ POINTS, 6+ THREE-POINTERS
Senior Jalen Terry has back-to-back games with at least 25 points and six made three-pointers. He is one of five MAC players to accomplish that feat and the first to do so since Jordan Dartis for Ohio University in 2019. If Terry can do so in a third-straight game, he would be the first MAC player to do so since Michael Bramos for Miami in 2008.
MAC Players With 25 Points AND 6 Three-Pointers in CONSECUTIVE Games (Since 2002-03):
MOH Michael Bramos 4 Dec. 3-13, 2008
EMU Jalen Terry 2 Nov. 14-16, 2024
OU Jordan Dartis 2 Nov. 24-30, 2019
CMU Marcus Keene 2 (x2) Dec. 3-6, 2016; Jan. 17-21, 2017
BSU Skip Mills 2 March 4-6, 2006
Terry is one of just five Eagles since 2002-03 to record multiple games with at least 25 points and six made three-pointers in a season. He would be the first in that time frame to record three such games.
EMU Players With 25 Points AND 6 Three-Pointers TOTAL Games in One Season (Since 2002-03):
Jalen Terry 2 2024-25
Tyson Acuff 2 2022-23
Emoni Bates 2 2022-23
Elijah Minnie 2 2018-19
Willie Mangum 2 2016-17
Terry is also the first Eagle since Carlos Medlock, Feb. 11-15, 2006, to knock down six three-pointers in back-to-back games.
JT REBOUNDING AT 6-FEET TALL
Despite standing at 6'0, Jalen Terry is averaging a team-high 7.3 rebounds per game, which ranks fifth in the MAC. He is the only player 6'1 or shorter listed in the NCAA top 358 rebounders (6.3 rpg or higher).
Rank Player Height RPG School
T203. Jalen Terry 6-0 7.3 Eastern Michigan
DOUBLE-DIGIT OFFENSIVE REBOUNDS
The Eagles have impressive offensive rebounding totals so far this season, reaching double figures in all four contests to start the year.
EMU has double-digit rebounds in its first four games for the first time to start a season since the 2020-21 season. The Eagles have not produced double-digit offensive rebounds in the season's first five games since at least 2002-03.
Offensive Rebounds
15 at Texas State (Nov. 4)
14 vs. Siena Heights (Nov. 8)
11 at IU-Indy (Nov. 14)
14 at Cleveland State (Nov. 16)
Eastern had a stretch of seven-consecutive games with at least 10 offensive rebounds late in the 2023-24 season.
NOTABLE TEAM MAC RANKINGS SO FAR
Eastern has seen success on the offensive glass and the defensive side of the ball in the early part of the season.
MAC Rankings:
1st Rebounds/Game 38.8
1st Offensive Rebounding 13.5
1st Field Goal % Defense .382
t2nd Scoring Defense 66.0
J-BILL STUFFS THE STAT SHEET IN HOME OPENER
Senior Jalin Billingsley recorded a MAC season-high 32 points in the 83-58 win over Siena Heights, Nov. 8. He also hauled in 10 rebounds to give him the second double-double of his career, with his other coming via a 13-point, 10-rebound performance at Miami, March 2, 2024.
Top MAC Scoring Efforts in 2024-25:
1. Jalin Billingsley (EMU) 32 Siena Heights (Nov. 8)
2. Javontae Campbell (BGSU) 30 Davidson (Nov. 8)
t3. Jalen Terry (EMU) 28 IU-Indy (Nov. 14)
t3. Ryan Sabol (UB) 28 Fredonia (Nov. 8)
31 IU-INDY MADE FREE THROWS IN WIN
IU-Indy was 31-for-35 on free throws against EMU, Nov. 14. The 31 makes are the most by an EMU foe in an EMU win in regulation since Ohio made 33, Feb. 14, 2017, as Eastern won, 79-71.
21 ASSISTS VS. SIENA HEIGHTS, NOV. 8
Led by freshman Dillon Tingler's five assists, the Eagles had 21 assists, their most since recording 26 against Central State, Dec. 8, 2018.
SEVEN BLOCKS VS. SIENA HEIGHTS, NOV. 8
Led by senior Jalin Billingsley's three blocks against Siena Heights, Nov. 8, the Eagles' seven rejections are their most since swatting eight blocks in an overtime game at Central Michigan, March 8, 2024. EMU last had seven blocks in regulation against Adrian, Dec. 9, 2020 (eight).
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 617-STRAIGHT GAM3S
Eastern, which hit seven threes against Cleveland State, Nov. 16, 2024, has now hit at least one triple in 617-straight games. EMU last failed to score from downtown Jan. 24, 2004, when Miami held the Eagles to 0-of-7 from behind the arc.
YUSUF JIHAD AGAINST HIS FORMER TEAM
Senior Yusuf Jihad, who transferred from Oakland after one season in 2020-21, netted 15 points against his former team in the 77-63 loss to the Golden Grizzlies, Dec. 8, 2023. Jihad had two points and two rebounds over seven minutes at Oakland, Nov. 19, 2022.
2024-25 PRESEASON ALL-MAC TEAMS
First Team
Payton Sparks, Senior, Center, Ball State
Anthony Pritchard, Senior, Guard, Central Michigan
VonCameron Davis, R-Senior, Forward, Kent State
AJ Clayton, Senior, Forward, Ohio
Javan Simmons, Sophomore, Forward, Toledo
Second Team
Isaiah Gray, Senior, Guard, Akron
Jalen Sullinger, Senior, Guard, Kent State
Shereef Mitchell, Graduate Student, Guard, Ohio
AJ Brown, R-Sophomore, Guard, Ohio
Isaiah Adams, Fifth Year, Guard, Toledo
PRESEASON PICKED 11TH
After finishing 10th in 2023-24, EMU was picked ninth in the MAC preseason coaches' poll.
2024-25 MAC Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Ohio (11) – 121
2. Akron (1) – 106
3. Kent State – 99
4. Toledo – 95
5. Bowling Green – 73
6. Miami – 72
7. Ball State – 67
8. Central Michigan – 55
9. Eastern Michigan – 36
10. Western Michigan – 33
11. Northern Illinois – 24
12. Buffalo – 11
Tournament Champion: Ohio (8), Kent State (3), Toledo (1)
The six Ohio schools made up the top six while the bottom six is filled with the rest of the MAC schools.
MICHIGAN MATCH-UPS
The Eagles play three in-state opponents in non-conference action with contests against Siena Heights (Nov. 8), Oakland (Nov. 21), and Detroit Mercy (Nov. 30).
NEW FOE, WHO DIS?
The Eagles added competition against three first-time opponents this season; they face off against Texas State, Nov. 4 (L, 44-64), Houston Christian, Nov. 25, and Wright State, Dec. 21.
FIVE OF SIX TRUE ROAD GAMES TO START
Eastern Michigan has five true road games in its first six contests to start the season for the first time since 1936-37 when Elton J. Rynearson was the head coach. EMU's football stadium is named "Rynearson Stadium" in his honor.
WHO'S BACK??
EMU returns four players from its 2023-24 roster including seniors Jalin Billingsley, Yusuf Jihad, and Micah Schnyders, as well as sophomore Arne Osojnik.
WHO'S GONE??
EMU lost 10 players from its 2023-24 game one roster including Tyson Acuff (Rutgers), Orlando Lovejoy (Detroit Mercy), Legend Geeter (Detroit Mercy), Conner Serven (Virginia Tech), Cyril Martynov (Eastern Kentucky), Julius Ellerbe (Coppin State), John McGriff (transfer portal - no destination), Javantae Randle (Central State), Prakash Ketterhagen (Lourdes), and Andrew Wells (graduation). The Eagles also lost Director of Operations LaMonta Stone (Assistant Coach - Detroit Mercy) and Graduate Assistant Nick Madray (graduation --> Utah Jazz).
WHAT'S GONE??
EMU lost 1,332 of its 2,047 points (65.07%) from the 2023-24 season, most notably leading scorer Tyson Acuff, who averaged 21.7 ppg (8th in the nation) on 43/29/81 shooting splits and transferred to Rutgers.
FRESH FACES
EMU added 11 newcomers to its 2024-25 roster including seniors Jalen Terry (DePaul), Da'Sean Nelson (DePaul), John Shanu II (UTRGV), and Cooper Smith (Michigan), juniors Christian Henry (Panola College), Julian Lewis (Miami), and Trey Pettigrew (Salt Lake CC), and freshmen Mario Brunetto (Classical Gymnasium), Mbaye N'Diaye (SEED Academy), Godslove Nwabude (Zion Prep), and Dillon Tingler (Huntington Prep).
DEPAUL DUO TO YPSILANTI
Jalen Terry and Da'Sean Nelson both came to Ypsilanti from DePaul and are expected to have big roles for the Eagles in 2024-25. Terry averaged 8.5 ppg and Nelson scored 9.7 ppg for the Blue Demons in 2023-24.
STAYING HOME
Eastern Michigan has just four players (Yusuf Jihad, Farmington Hills; Jalen Terry, Flint; Cooper Smith, Mio; and Julian Lewis, Ypsilanti) from the Mitten State on its 2024-25 roster, EMU's fewest since 2020-21 (four).
INTERNATIONAL INFLUX
International student-athlete representation doubled on the Eagles 15-player roster this season, as they added three true freshmen from Senegal (Mbaye N'Diaye), Nigeria (Godslove Nwabude), and Italy (Mario Brunetto), respectively. The trio joins sophomore Arne Osojnik who represented Slovenia twice as a member of the U18 national team at the Euro Championships. A complete breakdown of the EMU roster can be found on page 11.
Most international true freshmen in the nation:
1. Buffalo - 6
2. Florida Atlantic - 5
t3. Eastern Michigan - 3
Manhattan - 3
Oregon State - 3
San Francisco - 3
Seattle - 3
UT-Martin - 3
Weber State - 3
Most African true freshmen in the nation:
t1. Eastern Michigan - 2
Seton Hall - 2
Osojnik is one of five players from Slovenia in the country.
Slovenian MBB Players at NCAA Division I:
Arne Osojnik - Eastern Michigan
Klemen Vuga - UAPB
Urban Klavzar - Florida
Jan Vide - LMU (Calif.)
Sasa Ciani - UIC
Brunetto is one of 17 Italians players while N'Diaye is one of 32 Sengalese players and Nwabude is one of 38 Nigerian players.
DOUBLEHEADER DAY
The Eagles are scheduled to play three double-headers with the EMU women's basketball team in 2023-24 with four of the five doubleheaders taking place in Ypsilanti. Both the EMU men's and women's teams will play Jan. 11 (vs. Akron), Feb. 15 (men vs. Toledo, women vs. Ball State), and Feb. 22 (Northern Illinois).
The men's team was 5-0 at home in doubleheader games in 2023-24.
EMONI BATES NBA + G-LEAGUE
Former Eagle Emoni Bates was named a G-League All-Star with the Cleveland Charge in 2023-24, averaging 24.8 ppg. Bates also appeared in 15 games with the Cavaliers during the 2023-24 season. He underwent surgery in early October to repair a torn meniscus and is expected to return to action at some point during the 2024-25 season.
NEXT UP
Eastern Michigan will travel to Houston for the Houston Christian MTE. The Eagles will battle Houston Christian, Nov. 25, before taking on Northern Arizona, Nov. 26.
FOLLOW US
For the most up-to-date information on the Eagles, visit EMUEagles.com. Fans can also follow the team on social media, including Twitter (@EMU_MBB) and Instagram (@EMUMBB).
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