Eastern Michigan Athletics
Monday, November 25
Houston, Texas
8 p.m. ET
Eastern Michigan University
at
Houston Christian
Eastern Heading to Houston to Face Houston Christian, Northern Arizona
11/23/2024 8:02:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Eagles playing in Houston Christian MTE Monday, Tuesday
| Men's Basketball at Houston Christian, vs. Northern Arizona (in Houston) | |
| Date | Monday, Nov. 25 | 8 p.m. ET | Tuesday, Nov. 26 | 9 p.m. ET |
| Venue | Sharp Gymnasium (1,000) | Houston, Texas |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes (PDF) | Media Guide (PDF) |
| Live Stats | Fan Stats | Media Stats |
| Watch | ESPN+ at Houston Christian |
| @EMU_MBB | @EMUAthletics | |
HOUSTON, Texas (EMUEagles.com) -- Coming off a 68-64 road win against in-state foe Oakland University, the Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team will battle Houston Christian and Northern Arizona in the Houston Christian MTE Monday, Nov. 25, at 8 p.m. ET and Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 9 p.m. ET, respectively, inside Sharp Gymnasium.
ON AIR
Eastern Michigan and Houston Christian will air on ESPN+ from Sharp Gymnasium while EMU against Northern Arizona will not be streamed. Live stats for both games will be available on EMU Eagles.com.
OPENING TIPS
»Eastern used an impressive second half showing to upend Oakland, 68-64, on the road, Nov. 21. Despite trailing 36-28 after 20 minutes, EMU used an 18-2 run to open the second half and take the lead, which it would never relinquish.
»EMU was led by Arne Osojnik's 16 points to highlight a group of four Eagles with double-digit 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. In the most recent game, Terry had eight points, six rebounds, and five assists in the 68-64 win at Oakland, Nov. 21.
»Eastern Michigan's Stan Heath is in his fourth year at the helm of the Eagles, holding a 34-64 record at EMU and a 243-271 record over 17 years as a head coach.
FOUR EAGLES WITH 10+ POINTS AT OAKLAND
Sophomore Arne Osojnik, led the way at Oakland, Nov. 21, with 16 points as four Eagles scored at least 10 points in the same game for the first time this season. Seniors Jalin Billingsley (14), Da'Sean Nelson (13), and Yusuf Jihad (10) all reached double figures.
YUSUF JIHAD AGAINST HIS FORMER TEAM
Senior Yusuf Jihad, who transferred from Oakland after one season in 2020-21, scored 10 points, Nov. 21, highlighted by a pair of first-half three-pointers and a second-half dunk in his first win against OU. He also netted 15 points against his former team in the 77-63 loss to the Golden Grizzlies, Dec. 8, 2023.
OVERCAME 8-POINT HALFTIME DEFICIT AT OU
In the 68-64 win at Oakland, Nov. 21, the Eagles overcame a 36-28 halftime deficit to win as the eight-point margin marks EMU's biggest halftime deficit in a win since Eastern stunned Kent State, Jan. 6, 2024, after trailing by 12 at halftime and by as many as 17 in the second half.
SHOOTING MARKS AT OAKLAND
Eastern Michigan was 23-of-60 (38.3%) from the floor and 9-of-24 (37.5%) from three-point range while Oakland was 23-of-47 (48.9%) from the field and 3-of-18 (16.7%) from deep.
EMU's 38.3% conversion rate is its lowest in a win since shooting 37.0% in the win over Central Michigan, Jan. 7, 2023.
With the 68-64 win over OU, Nov. 21, the EMU earned its first win when being outshot by at least 10% since Eastern knocked off Bowling Green, March 11, 2015, despite the Falcons outshooting the Eagles, .532-.393.
SIX TURNOVERS AT OAKLAND
Eastern turned the ball over just six times at Oakland, Nov. 21, seven less than its previous season-low of 13 at IU Indy, Nov. 14. The Eagles' six turnovers are their fewest since giving the ball away six times at Central Michigan, March 8, 2024.
DOUBLE-DIGIT OFFENSIVE REBOUNDS
The Eagles have impressive offensive rebounding totals so far this season, reaching double figures in all five contests to start the year.
EMU has double-digit offensive rebounds in its first five games for the first time to start a season 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)
11 at Oakland (Nov. 21)
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 Scoring Defense 65.6
2nd Field Goal % Defense .401
2nd Rebounds/Game 38.8
1st Offensive Rebounding 13.0
THREE ROAD NON-CONFERENCE WINS?
With road wins at IU Indy, Nov. 14, and at Oakland, Nov. 21, Eastern has matched its road non-conference win total from 2023-24. If EMU can beat Houston Christian, Nov. 25, the Eagles would have three non-conference true road wins for the first time since the 1996-97 season. Wins against both HCU and Northern Arizona would equal the 2019-20 team with four non-conference wins away from home. The 2019-20 team had four non-conference wins away from (two road, two neutral-site).
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, which features the gray turf of "Maxx Crosby Field," is named "Rynearson Stadium" in his honor.
JT REBOUNDING AT 6-FEET TALL
Despite standing at 6-feet-0, Jalen Terry is averaging a team-high 7.0 rebounds per game, which ranks tied for eighth in the MAC. Terry leads the MAC in defensive rebounds per game at 6.8. He is the only player 6'1 or shorter listed in the NCAA top 355 rebounders (6.3 rpg or higher).
NCAA Rankings Total Rebounds (Per Game)
Rank Player Height RPG School
T209. Jalen Terry 6-0 7.0 Eastern Michigan
NCAA Rankings Defensive Rebounds (Per Game)
Rank Player Height RPG School
T39. Jalen Terry 6-0 7.0 Eastern Michigan
T121. Braden Smith 6-0 6.0 Purdue
JT 25+ POINTS, 6+ THREE-POINTERS
Senior Jalen Terry posted back-to-back games with at least 25 points and six made three-pointers at IU Indy, Nov. 14, and at Cleveland State, Nov. 16. 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.
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 was also the first Eagle since Carlos Medlock, Feb. 11-15, 2006, to knock down six three-pointers in back-to-back games.
J-BILL STUFFS THE STAT SHEET IN HOME OPENER
Senior Jalin Billingsley recorded a career-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. AJ Clayton (Ohio) 34 Portland (Nov. 22)
2. Jalin Billingsley (EMU) 32 Siena Heights (Nov. 8)
3. Javontae Campbell (BGSU) 30 Davidson (Nov. 8)
t4. Jalen Terry (EMU) 28 IU Indy (Nov. 14)
t4. Ryan Sabol (UB) 28 Fredonia (Nov. 8)
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 618-STRAIGHT GAM3S
Eastern, which hit nine threes against Oakland, Nov. 21, 2024, has now hit at least one triple in 618-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.
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.
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 host in-state foe Detroit Mercy Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center.
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 Houston Christian will air on ESPN+ from Sharp Gymnasium while EMU against Northern Arizona will not be streamed. Live stats for both games will be available on EMU Eagles.com.
OPENING TIPS
»Eastern used an impressive second half showing to upend Oakland, 68-64, on the road, Nov. 21. Despite trailing 36-28 after 20 minutes, EMU used an 18-2 run to open the second half and take the lead, which it would never relinquish.
»EMU was led by Arne Osojnik's 16 points to highlight a group of four Eagles with double-digit 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. In the most recent game, Terry had eight points, six rebounds, and five assists in the 68-64 win at Oakland, Nov. 21.
»Eastern Michigan's Stan Heath is in his fourth year at the helm of the Eagles, holding a 34-64 record at EMU and a 243-271 record over 17 years as a head coach.
FOUR EAGLES WITH 10+ POINTS AT OAKLAND
Sophomore Arne Osojnik, led the way at Oakland, Nov. 21, with 16 points as four Eagles scored at least 10 points in the same game for the first time this season. Seniors Jalin Billingsley (14), Da'Sean Nelson (13), and Yusuf Jihad (10) all reached double figures.
YUSUF JIHAD AGAINST HIS FORMER TEAM
Senior Yusuf Jihad, who transferred from Oakland after one season in 2020-21, scored 10 points, Nov. 21, highlighted by a pair of first-half three-pointers and a second-half dunk in his first win against OU. He also netted 15 points against his former team in the 77-63 loss to the Golden Grizzlies, Dec. 8, 2023.
OVERCAME 8-POINT HALFTIME DEFICIT AT OU
In the 68-64 win at Oakland, Nov. 21, the Eagles overcame a 36-28 halftime deficit to win as the eight-point margin marks EMU's biggest halftime deficit in a win since Eastern stunned Kent State, Jan. 6, 2024, after trailing by 12 at halftime and by as many as 17 in the second half.
SHOOTING MARKS AT OAKLAND
Eastern Michigan was 23-of-60 (38.3%) from the floor and 9-of-24 (37.5%) from three-point range while Oakland was 23-of-47 (48.9%) from the field and 3-of-18 (16.7%) from deep.
EMU's 38.3% conversion rate is its lowest in a win since shooting 37.0% in the win over Central Michigan, Jan. 7, 2023.
With the 68-64 win over OU, Nov. 21, the EMU earned its first win when being outshot by at least 10% since Eastern knocked off Bowling Green, March 11, 2015, despite the Falcons outshooting the Eagles, .532-.393.
SIX TURNOVERS AT OAKLAND
Eastern turned the ball over just six times at Oakland, Nov. 21, seven less than its previous season-low of 13 at IU Indy, Nov. 14. The Eagles' six turnovers are their fewest since giving the ball away six times at Central Michigan, March 8, 2024.
DOUBLE-DIGIT OFFENSIVE REBOUNDS
The Eagles have impressive offensive rebounding totals so far this season, reaching double figures in all five contests to start the year.
EMU has double-digit offensive rebounds in its first five games for the first time to start a season 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)
11 at Oakland (Nov. 21)
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 Scoring Defense 65.6
2nd Field Goal % Defense .401
2nd Rebounds/Game 38.8
1st Offensive Rebounding 13.0
THREE ROAD NON-CONFERENCE WINS?
With road wins at IU Indy, Nov. 14, and at Oakland, Nov. 21, Eastern has matched its road non-conference win total from 2023-24. If EMU can beat Houston Christian, Nov. 25, the Eagles would have three non-conference true road wins for the first time since the 1996-97 season. Wins against both HCU and Northern Arizona would equal the 2019-20 team with four non-conference wins away from home. The 2019-20 team had four non-conference wins away from (two road, two neutral-site).
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, which features the gray turf of "Maxx Crosby Field," is named "Rynearson Stadium" in his honor.
JT REBOUNDING AT 6-FEET TALL
Despite standing at 6-feet-0, Jalen Terry is averaging a team-high 7.0 rebounds per game, which ranks tied for eighth in the MAC. Terry leads the MAC in defensive rebounds per game at 6.8. He is the only player 6'1 or shorter listed in the NCAA top 355 rebounders (6.3 rpg or higher).
NCAA Rankings Total Rebounds (Per Game)
Rank Player Height RPG School
T209. Jalen Terry 6-0 7.0 Eastern Michigan
NCAA Rankings Defensive Rebounds (Per Game)
Rank Player Height RPG School
T39. Jalen Terry 6-0 7.0 Eastern Michigan
T121. Braden Smith 6-0 6.0 Purdue
JT 25+ POINTS, 6+ THREE-POINTERS
Senior Jalen Terry posted back-to-back games with at least 25 points and six made three-pointers at IU Indy, Nov. 14, and at Cleveland State, Nov. 16. 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.
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 was also the first Eagle since Carlos Medlock, Feb. 11-15, 2006, to knock down six three-pointers in back-to-back games.
J-BILL STUFFS THE STAT SHEET IN HOME OPENER
Senior Jalin Billingsley recorded a career-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. AJ Clayton (Ohio) 34 Portland (Nov. 22)
2. Jalin Billingsley (EMU) 32 Siena Heights (Nov. 8)
3. Javontae Campbell (BGSU) 30 Davidson (Nov. 8)
t4. Jalen Terry (EMU) 28 IU Indy (Nov. 14)
t4. Ryan Sabol (UB) 28 Fredonia (Nov. 8)
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 618-STRAIGHT GAM3S
Eastern, which hit nine threes against Oakland, Nov. 21, 2024, has now hit at least one triple in 618-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.
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.
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 host in-state foe Detroit Mercy Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center.
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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