Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Insider Podcast - Season 7 - Episode 11
11/5/2024 6:48:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Football, General
Men's Basketball Preview and Gearing Up for MACtion
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The latest episode of Eastern Insider kicked off with a playful nod to Election Day, as hosts Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner humorously debated the night's big choice—not between candidates, but between EMU's men's and women's basketball teams. Steiner teases Helmer, saying, "You have two choices to make," prompting Steiner to clarify they're not actually talking about the election. Instead, EMU fans faced a choice: catch the women's game at home or tune in as the men took on Texas State in a maroon-out showdown on the road.
The banter continued with a light-hearted twist on uniform mix-ups, as Eastern Michigan's men's team was set to wear green in a maroon-out atmosphere, adding to the fun of the season's opening. The hosts then shifted into basketball excitement, discussing Head Coach Stan Heath's optimism about the rebuilt men's team. With eleven new players and chemistry that's already setting a different tone, Heath is confident this squad could be the strongest he's had yet. Meanwhile, the women's team, led by first-year coach Sahar Nusseibeh, is also eager to prove itself, though facing tough competition early on.
Beyond basketball, the duo updated fans on EMU sports in full swing. With volleyball, more basketball, and football still fighting for bowl eligibility, there's a lot for fans to enjoy. Wrapping up, Helmer encouraged listeners to stay glued to EMU sports coverage all week. "It's all popping, baby," he said, summing up the electric vibe of EMU's fall sports lineup.
Segment 1 - Stan Heath
In an interview with Tom Helmer, EMU Men's Basketball Head Coach Stan Heath previewed the upcoming 2024-25 season, spotlighting key developments within his team and new additions to his staff. Heath introduced Jay Smith as EMU's Director of Player Development, highlighting their long-standing professional relationship. Smith, who previously coached at Michigan, brings extensive experience and fresh ideas to the court, aiding Heath particularly on the defensive end.
The team has undergone significant changes, welcoming 11 new players, four of whom are freshmen. Heath emphasized the importance of chemistry, a quality he sees emerging strongly within this group. "This team has shown early signs of being connected," he shared, noting that a unified effort will be essential in navigating a season where many teams in the conference face similar levels of roster turnover.
One intriguing lineup showcased in a recent exhibition featured three guards—Arne Osojnik, Jalen Terry, and Christian Henry—indicating a potential focus on versatility and scoring balance this season. Heath praised Henry as a surprise talent, with both he and Terry expected to fill roles left by former standout Tyson Acuff.
The addition of size with two 6-foot-11 players, John Shanu II and Mario Brunetto, further diversifies the Eagles' roster. Heath also highlighted freshman Godslove Nwabude, who, with a strong rebounding presence, could make an immediate impact. As EMU prepares for their opening game against Texas State, Heath stressed that the focus would be on toughness, rebounding, and control in the paint.
With a revamped roster and new voices on the coaching staff, Heath and the Eagles are set to approach the 2024-25 season with fresh energy and ambition.
Segment 2 - Chris Creighton
EMU Head Football Coach Chris Creighton spoke with Greg Steiner about the team's recent one-point loss to Toledo and how the Eagles plan to regroup during a short break before facing Ohio on November 13. Creighton explained his philosophy on critical game-time decisions, including his choice to go for a two-point conversion late against Toledo, which had been discussed with his staff earlier in the week. The team's ability to get a key defensive stop late in the game showed resilience, but injuries at running back and the challenge of facing Toledo's solid offense proved too much to overcome.
Reflecting on the upcoming Ohio matchup, Creighton emphasized the need to focus on both physical recovery and mental readiness. He underscored the significance of the midweek schedule shift, which allows more flexibility for rest, academic catch-up, and even recruitment efforts. Creighton shared his confidence in EMU's ability to finish strong, drawing parallels to their successful November run last season. With Ohio boasting a skilled, mobile quarterback, Creighton knows the Eagles will need a versatile game plan. Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about his team's potential, reiterating their commitment to finishing the season on a high note.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The latest episode of Eastern Insider kicked off with a playful nod to Election Day, as hosts Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner humorously debated the night's big choice—not between candidates, but between EMU's men's and women's basketball teams. Steiner teases Helmer, saying, "You have two choices to make," prompting Steiner to clarify they're not actually talking about the election. Instead, EMU fans faced a choice: catch the women's game at home or tune in as the men took on Texas State in a maroon-out showdown on the road.
The banter continued with a light-hearted twist on uniform mix-ups, as Eastern Michigan's men's team was set to wear green in a maroon-out atmosphere, adding to the fun of the season's opening. The hosts then shifted into basketball excitement, discussing Head Coach Stan Heath's optimism about the rebuilt men's team. With eleven new players and chemistry that's already setting a different tone, Heath is confident this squad could be the strongest he's had yet. Meanwhile, the women's team, led by first-year coach Sahar Nusseibeh, is also eager to prove itself, though facing tough competition early on.
Beyond basketball, the duo updated fans on EMU sports in full swing. With volleyball, more basketball, and football still fighting for bowl eligibility, there's a lot for fans to enjoy. Wrapping up, Helmer encouraged listeners to stay glued to EMU sports coverage all week. "It's all popping, baby," he said, summing up the electric vibe of EMU's fall sports lineup.
Segment 1 - Stan Heath
In an interview with Tom Helmer, EMU Men's Basketball Head Coach Stan Heath previewed the upcoming 2024-25 season, spotlighting key developments within his team and new additions to his staff. Heath introduced Jay Smith as EMU's Director of Player Development, highlighting their long-standing professional relationship. Smith, who previously coached at Michigan, brings extensive experience and fresh ideas to the court, aiding Heath particularly on the defensive end.
The team has undergone significant changes, welcoming 11 new players, four of whom are freshmen. Heath emphasized the importance of chemistry, a quality he sees emerging strongly within this group. "This team has shown early signs of being connected," he shared, noting that a unified effort will be essential in navigating a season where many teams in the conference face similar levels of roster turnover.
One intriguing lineup showcased in a recent exhibition featured three guards—Arne Osojnik, Jalen Terry, and Christian Henry—indicating a potential focus on versatility and scoring balance this season. Heath praised Henry as a surprise talent, with both he and Terry expected to fill roles left by former standout Tyson Acuff.
The addition of size with two 6-foot-11 players, John Shanu II and Mario Brunetto, further diversifies the Eagles' roster. Heath also highlighted freshman Godslove Nwabude, who, with a strong rebounding presence, could make an immediate impact. As EMU prepares for their opening game against Texas State, Heath stressed that the focus would be on toughness, rebounding, and control in the paint.
With a revamped roster and new voices on the coaching staff, Heath and the Eagles are set to approach the 2024-25 season with fresh energy and ambition.
Segment 2 - Chris Creighton
EMU Head Football Coach Chris Creighton spoke with Greg Steiner about the team's recent one-point loss to Toledo and how the Eagles plan to regroup during a short break before facing Ohio on November 13. Creighton explained his philosophy on critical game-time decisions, including his choice to go for a two-point conversion late against Toledo, which had been discussed with his staff earlier in the week. The team's ability to get a key defensive stop late in the game showed resilience, but injuries at running back and the challenge of facing Toledo's solid offense proved too much to overcome.
Reflecting on the upcoming Ohio matchup, Creighton emphasized the need to focus on both physical recovery and mental readiness. He underscored the significance of the midweek schedule shift, which allows more flexibility for rest, academic catch-up, and even recruitment efforts. Creighton shared his confidence in EMU's ability to finish strong, drawing parallels to their successful November run last season. With Ohio boasting a skilled, mobile quarterback, Creighton knows the Eagles will need a versatile game plan. Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about his team's potential, reiterating their commitment to finishing the season on a high note.
Players Mentioned
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