Eastern Michigan Athletics
Saturday, February 22
DeKalb, Ill.
4:30 p.m. ET
Eastern Michigan University
at
Northern Illinois
Eastern Seeking Third-Straight MAC Win, Battling NIU Saturday
2/20/2025 4:46:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Eagles set for 4:30 p.m. ET tip, follow EMU women's game
| Men's Basketball at Northern Illinois | |
| Date | Saturday, Feb. 22, at 4:30 p.m. ET |
| Venue | Convocation Center (9,000) | DeKalb, Ill. |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes (PDF) | Media Guide (PDF) |
| Live Stats | Fan Stats | Media Stats |
| Watch | ESPN+ |
| Listen | WEMU (89.1 FM) | The Varsity Network App |
| @EMU_MBB | @EMUAthletics | |
| Tickets | Purchase Tickets for Home Games |
DeKALB, ILL. (EMUEagles.com) -- Coming off back-to-back home wins, the Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team travels to Northern Illinois University for a Mid-American Conference contest Saturday, Feb. 22, at 4:30 p.m. ET inside the Convocation Center. The game follows the EMU women's contest against the Huskies, scheduled for 2 p.m. ET.
ON AIR
Eastern Michigan and Northern Illinois will air on ESPN+ from the Convocation Center. Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner will have the call live on WEMU (89.1 FM) and the Varsity Network App. Live stats will also be available on EMUEagles.com.
OPENING TIPS
»Eastern took down second-place Miami, 76-66, Tuesday, Feb. 18, to earn the MAC victory.
»Against Miami, Feb. 18, senior Da'Sean Nelson registered 25 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and four blocks against Miami, Feb. 18. Nelson is the first Eagle to record at least 25 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and four blocks in one game since at least the 2001-02 season.
»In the week prior, senior Jalen Terry put together an outstanding two games for the Eagles, averaging 31.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over the two contest to earn Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week and MAC Player of the Week honors.
»Senior Jalen Terry, who made his first 12 shots from the field, scored 38 points as Eastern upended Toledo, 80-73, Feb. 15, helping the Eagles move into the MAC's top-eight in the conference standings. The Eagles led for a season-high 37:37 in the contest.
»Toledo native Da'Sean Nelson added 21 points, scoring 13 points in the game's first 8:50.
»During conference play, senior Da'Sean Nelson ranks second in the MAC with 17.7 points per game.
»The Eagles, which sit at 6-7 in the MAC for the first time since the 2018-19 season, are seeking a 7-7 start in conference play against NIU, Feb. 22, and look to come one win closer to securing a postseason bid.
»EMU and Texas are the only teams in the nation to have at least three different players to score 32 points in separate games this season.
»Eastern Michigan's Stan Heath is in his fourth year at the helm of the Eagles, holding a 44-75 record at EMU and a 253-282 record over 17 years as a collegiate head coach.
ALL TIME SERIES VS. NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Eastern Michigan and Northern Illinois will meet for the 107th time as NIU leads the all-time series, 59-47.
The Eagles won the most recent meeting between the teams, 75-71, Jan. 4, in Ypsilanti. Eastern overcame a four-point halftime deficit in a game that EMU led by exactly one point on four occasions in the final 7:27.
Da'Sean Nelson scored 32 points with 16 in each half to go with nine rebounds while Christian Henry added 13 points and nine assists in a game that EMU led for the last 12:30.
NIU has won four-straight meetings in DeKalb as EMU last won on the road in the series, 75-69, March 2, 2019.
NELSON 25 POINTS, 8 REBOUNDS
Senior Da'Sean Nelson registered 25 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and four blocks against Miami, Feb. 18. Nelson is the first Eagle to record at least 25 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and four blocks in one game since at least the 2001-02 season. Nelson is the first MAC player to achieve that stat line or better since Central Michigan's Brian Taylor had 27 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and four blocks, Dec. 19, 2023.
DA'SEAN NELSON BLOCKS IN 10-OF-11 GAMES
Senior Da'Sean Nelson, who matched his career high with four blocks against Miami, Feb. 18, has at least one block in 10 of the last 11 games.
Nelson has 20 blocks during the 11-game stretch (1.8 per game) and multiple blocks in five of those games.
DA'SEAN NELSON AGAINST NIU
Senior Da'Sean Nelson, who posted a robust 32-point, nine-rebound performance in EMU's win against Northern Illinois, Jan. 4, also had a stellar showing against the Huskies with DePaul, Nov. 25, 2023. Fellow DePaul transfer Jalen Terry did not play in the game, but Nelson poured in 23 points, despite playing for just 18:27 in the loss to NIU.
In Nelson's two career games against the Huskies, he is averaging 27.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Nelson, who played 33:56 in this season's matchup, has totaled 52:23 of action against the Huskies, meaning that he has averaged 1.05 points per minute played.
JOHN SHANU II AGAINST MIAMI
Against Miami, Feb. 18, redshirt junior John Shanu II played 16:33, his third-highest court time of the season, while drawing his fourth-straight start. Shanu II hauled in a career-high four rebounds while adding three points and one assist.
JALEN TERRY LAST THREE GAMES
Senior Jalen Terry has been on a tear the last three games, helping Eastern to a 2-1 mark in that span.
In the last three contests, Terry has averaged 29.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.0 blocks and has been incredibly efficient, shooting 32-of-48 (66.7%) from the floor and 13-of-23 (56.5%) from three-point range.
Terry's complete game-by-game breakdown can be found on page 26.
JALEN TERRY NATIONAL/MAC POTW
Senior Jalen Terry put together an outstanding week for the Eagles, averaging 31.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over the two games to earn Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week and MAC Player of the Week honors.
His week was highlighted by a 38-point effort against Toledo, Feb. 15, while also scoring 25 points at Ball State, Feb. 11.
JALEN TERRY 38 POINTS AGAINST TOLEDO
Against Toledo, Feb. 15, senior Jalen Terry scored a career-high 38 points to go with eight rebounds and two assists. Terry converted his first 12 field goal attempts of the game, finishing 15-of-17 from the field.
His 38 points are the tied for the second-most scored by an Eagle in the history of the George Gervin GameAbove Center (Raven Lee, 46, vs. Miami, Feb. 2, 2016; Lee, 38, vs. Texas Arlington, Nov. 23, 2013) while his career-high 15 made field goals are the most by an Eagle in the arena's history and one short of the arena record. The 38 points are the most by an Eagle since Emoni Bates dropped 43 at Toledo, Jan. 24, 2023.
Terry's 15-of-17 (88.2%) showing from the field is the best by an Eagle (minimum 15 attempts) since the 1997-98 season. Furthermore, Terry's 6-of-7 (85.7%) mark from three-point range ties the program's best since the 1997-98 season (Willie Mangum IV vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 18, 2016; Carlos Medlock vs. Akron, Feb. 11, 2006. His 15 made field goals are tied for the seventh-most in the nation this season.
JT 25+ POINTS, 6+ THREE-POINTERS
Senior Jalen Terry scored 38 points with six made three-pointers against Toledo, Feb. 15. He 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.
Terry is the first Eagle since the 2002-03 season to record three such games in one season.
EMU Players With 25 Points AND Six Three-Pointers TOTAL Games in One Season (Since 2002-03):
1. Jalen Terry 3 2024-25
T2. Tyson Acuff 2 2022-23
T2. Emoni Bates 2 2022-23
T2. Elijah Minnie 2 2018-19
T2. Willie Mangum 2 2016-17
MAC Players With 25 Points AND Six 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 was also the first Eagle since Carlos Medlock, Feb. 11-15, 2006, to knock down six three-pointers in back-to-back games.
JALEN TERRY 25 POINTS, 5 REBOUNDS, 5 ASSISTS
At Ball State, Feb. 11, senior Jalen Terry scored 25 points to go with five rebounds and five assists. He is that first Eagle to achieve that statline since Noah Farrakhan had 28 points, five rebounds, and seven assists against Florida International in four overtimes, Dec. 11, 2021. Terry is the first Eagle with 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists in MAC play since March 5, 2011, when Brandon Bowdry had 27 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists against Toledo.
Terry made four three-pointers, marking the eighth time this season he has made at least four three-pointers this season and 17th time in his career.
DA'SEAN NELSON 21 POINTS AGAINST TOLEDO
Toledo native Da'Sean Nelson netted 21 points against his hometown Toledo Rockets, Feb. 15, adding six rebounds, three steals, two assists, and one block.
While fellow DePaul transfer Jalen Terry took over the game with a 38-point outburst, Nelson controlled the contest early for Eastern, netting 13 points in the game's first 8:50.
7-7 IN THE MAC...?
Eastern Michigan, which sits at 6-7 in the MAC for the first time since the 2018-19 season, is seeking a 6-7 start in conference play against Miami, Feb. 18. The 2018-19 team started 7-7 in MAC play.
EYEING THE MAC TOURNAMENT
Eastern Michigan, which has not qualified for the MAC Tournament since 2019, sits at 6-7 in conference play and is tied for sixth with Ball State and Western Michigan in the MAC standings.
Eastern is expected to need at least two more MAC wins to be in the field.
No. 8 in MAC Standings Wins by Year (last 10 shown):
Year Wins School
2023-24 8 Kent State
2022-23 6 Miami
2021-22 6 CMU/BGSU/NIU
2020-21 8 Ball St. (no tournament)
2019-20 8 Toledo/Ohio
2018-19 8 Akron/NIU
2017-18 7 BGSU/Ohio/CMU
2016-17 7 EMU/BGSU/NIU
2015-16 9 EMU/NIU
2014-15 8 EMU/Miami/NIU
Data Since 1997-98 (first season with 12 MAC teams)
Average MAC Wins by No. 8 Seed: 7.52
Highest MAC Wins Needed: 10 (2004-05)
Lowest MAC Wins Needed: 6 (4x, last 2022-23)
MAC SCORING LEADERS
During conference play, senior Da'Sean Nelson ranks second in scoring at 17.7 points per game. Adding in senior Jalen Terry's 16.6 points per game during MAC play, Eastern is the only team in the MAC with two players in the top-eight.
MAC Points Per Game Leaders (conference only):
1. Uginus Jarusevicius (CMU) 18.8
2 . Da'Sean Nelson (EMU) 17.7
3. Quentin Jones (NIU) 17.3
4. Chansey Willis Jr. (WMU) 16.8
5. Jalen Sullinger (Kent St.) 16.7
T6 Jalen Terry (EMU) 16.6
Marcus Johnson (BGSU) 16.6
8. Nate Johnson (Akron) 16.5
9. Jermahri Hill (Ball St.) 16.3
VonCameron Davis (KSU) 16.3
HENRY IMPROVING AT THE FREE THROW LINE
Junior Christian Henry has made 35 of his last 43 free throws (81.4%) after making just 49 of his first 82 attempts (59.8%) this season.
In total, Henry is 84-for-125 (67.2%) from the charity stripe.
NELSON/TERRY 1,000 CAREER POINTS
DePaul transfers Da'Sean Nelson and Jalen Terry both reached 1,000 career points during the 2024-25 season as Nelson passed the mark against Toledo, Feb. 15, while Terry's 24-point effort against Miami, Feb. 18, vaulted him past the plateau.
Nelson has 1,036 career points (408 at EMU, 628 at DePaul) and Terry has 1,019 career points (408 at EMU, 554 at DePaul, 57 at Oregon).
BILLINGSLEY + NELSON SHOOTING PERCENTAGES
Senior Jalin Billingsley ranks fourth in the MAC in field goal percentage, shooting 111-for-200 (.555) while senior Da'Sean Nelson is ninth in the MAC at 143-for-283 (.505).
Billingsley has 17-straight games with multiple field goals made while Nelson has at least eight conversions in three of the last four games.
DA'SEAN NELSON GETS FOULED A LOT
Senior Da'Sean Nelson has been fouled 156 times in 25 games played (6.2 fouls per game). During MAC play, Nelson has accumulated 87 fouls drawn in 13 games (6.7 fouls per game).
Nelson has drawn at least eight fouls in 10 games this season, all of which have come in the last 19 games.
Eastern Michigan Leaders in Fouls Drawn:
Player Total Average
Da'Sean Nelson 156 6.2
Christian Henry 115 4.4
Jalen Terry 64 2.6
Jalin Billingsley 59 2.3
ONE OF TWO SCHOOLS WITH 32+ POINTS (x3)
With senior Jalen Terry's 38 points against Toledo, Feb. 15, senior Da'Sean Nelson's 32 points against Northern Illinois, Jan. 4, and senior Jalin Billingsley's 32 points against Siena Heights, Nov. 8, Eastern Michigan and Texas are the only two schools in the nation with at least three different players reaching 32 points this season.
Different Players Scoring 32+ Points:
T1. Eastern Michigan 3
Texas 3
In total, 151 different players have a 32-point performance this season.
Adding in junior Christian Henry's 28-point showing against Detroit Mercy, Nov. 30, Eastern Michigan is one of eight teams in the nation with at least four different players reaching 28 points this season. Austin Peay leads the nation with five different players achieving the mark.
Different Players Scoring 28+ Points:
1. Austin Peay 5
T2. Eastern Michigan 4
Bellarmine 4
Oklahoma 4
Missouri 4
New Orleans 4
Prairie View A&M 4
San Jose State 4
In total, 466 different players have a 28-point performance this season.
SUCCESS IN CLOSE GAMES
After the Eagles fell, 86-84, at Ball State, Feb. 11, Eastern moved to 6-2 in games decided by four points or less. Eastern's six wins by four or fewer is tied for the fifth-most in the nation. The trend has continued from the 2023-24 season when the Eagles were 8-3 in games decided by four points or less.
National Leaders in Wins by Four Points or Less:
T3. Marist 7
TCU 7
Texas A&M 7
Utah Valley 7
T7. Eastern Michigan 6
19 other schools 6
TWO EAGLES AVERAGING 16 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.5 APG
Eastern is the only team in the nation to have multiple players averaging at least 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals.
Senior Da'Sean Nelson is averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals while senior Jalen Terry is averaging 16.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.5 steals.
In total, 34 different players nationally are averaging 16 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals.
Nelson is one of just two players nationally to average at least 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.0 blocks, and shoot at least 50.0% from the floor. Nelson, who averages 1.1 blocks and is shooting 50.5%, is joined by UAB's Yaxel Lendeborg on the list.
Terry is one of 17 players nationally to average at least 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.5 steals. Terry is the only MAC player on the list of 17 players, which also includes former Eagle Orlando Lovejoy.
THREE EAGLES AVERAGING 14+ POINTS
Eastern has three players averaging 14.0 points for the first time since 2015-16 and four players averaging 10.0 points for the first time since 2017-18.
Player PPG 2024-25
Da'Sean Nelson 16.3
Jalen Terry 16.3
Christian Henry 14.3
Jalin Billingsley 10.5
Player PPG 2015-16
Elijah Minnie 16.8
Paul Jackson 14.9
James Thompson 14.5
Player PPG 2017-18
Ray Lee 15.1
Elijah Minnie 14.8
Willie Mangum 12.0
Ty Toney 11.0
TWO EAGLES AVERAGING 3.0+ ASSISTS
Eastern has two players averaging 3.0 assists for the first time since 2017-18.
Player APG 2024-25
Christian Henry 3.4
Jalen Terry 3.1
Player APG 2017-18
Paul Jackson 4.6
Tim Bond 3.5
SECOND-HALF SCORING
Eastern is averaging 39.5 points in the second half while averaging 32.9 points in the first half.
In EMU's 26 games, the Eagles have scored more points in the second half than the first in 18 games.
Nine of the Eagles' 12 top half totals have come in the second half.
Date Against Half Total (Half)
Dec. 21 Wright State 59 (2nd)
Jan. 7 Toledo 54 (2nd)
Nov. 30 Detroit Mercy 52 (2nd)
Jan. 21 Ohio 50 (1st)
Jan. 25 Buffalo 48 (2nd)
Feb. 8 Old Dominion 47 (2nd)
Nov. 14 IU Indy 45 (1st)
Jan. 21 Ohio 44 (2nd)
Nov. 8 Siena Heights 43 (2nd)
Dec. 28 Davidson 43 (2nd)
Jan. 11 Akron 43 (2nd)
Feb. 15 Toledo 43 (2nd)
JALEN TERRY MAC MINUTES LEADER
Senior Jalen Terry leads the MAC in minutes, averaging 37.2 minutes per game.
National Minutes Leaders:
1. Bennett Stiritz (Drake) 38.9
2.Mitch Macari (Drake) 37.9
3. Nicholas Martinelli (NW) 37.7
4. Gibson Jimerson (SLU) 37.6
5. Jalen Terry (EMU) 37.2
With former Eagle Tyson Acuff ranking fourth in the nation in minutes per game at 37.9 in 2023-24, if Terry can remain in the top six, EMU would be the first school since Stony Brook (2021-23) to have different players rank inside the top six in minutes nationally in different seasons.
DA'SEAN NELSON MAC POTW (x3)
Senior Da'Sean Nelson, who was named MAC Player of the Week Dec. 2 and Dec. 23, won his third conference weekly honor of the season after an impressive 32-point, nine-rebound showing against Northern Illinois, Jan. 4.
By earning the recognition for the third time, Nelson is the first player in the MAC to accomplish that feat since former Akron Zip and current Indiana Pacer Enrique Freeman earned the honor eight times in 2023-24.
BELOW THE CENTURY MARK
In 383 games at the George Gervin GameAbove Center since opening in 1998-99, only two teams have reached 100 points against the Eagles as 2022-23 Florida Atlantic, which reached the 2023 Final Four, scored 101 at EMU, Dec. 4, 2022. The second team was Akron, Jan. 11, 2025, in a 105-81 EMU loss.
Top Point Totals by Foes at the George Gervin GameAbove Center:
Date School Points
Jan. 11, 2025 Akron 105
Dec. 4, 2022 Florida Atlantic 101
Dec. 15, 2024 Purdue Fort Wayne 99
Nov. 30, 2024 Detroit Mercy 98
Nov. 12, 2023 Illinois State 98
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 639-STRAIGHT GAM3S
Eastern, which hit eight threes against Miami, Feb. 18, has now hit at least one triple in 639-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.
EASTERN MICHIGAN HAS FOUR ROAD WINS
Eastern has accumulated four road wins in the 2024-25 season, which matches its total from last season. If the Eagles can secure another road win this season, it would mark their first time reaching five road wins in one season since tallying seven in the 2017-18 campaign.
EASTERN MICHIGAN ROAD CLOSURE
Eastern Michigan will close the season at Ohio, March 4, and at Kent State, March 7.
The 2024-25 season will mark the third-straight year in which the Eagles' final two regular season games are on the road while EMU will play its last regular season competition away from home for the eighth-straight season. Eastern's last two regular season contests have been road games five of the last seven years.
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 NINTH
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.
NEW FOE, WHO DIS?
The Eagles added competition against three first-time opponents this season; they faced off against Texas State, Nov. 4 (L, 44-64), Houston Christian, Nov. 25 (W, 74-73), and Wright State, Dec. 21 (W, 86-82).
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).
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 Senegalese players and Nwabude is one of 38 Nigerian players.
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 October 2024 to repair a torn meniscus, but returned to G-League action, Dec. 15, 2024, with 10 points and five rebounds. By Feb. 13, 2025, Bates had returned to form, dropping 30 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
FINAL DOUBLEHEADER DAY
To end the month, the Eagles are scheduled to play the last of three double-headers with the EMU women's basketball team. Both the EMU men's and women's teams play Feb. 22 at Northern Illinois.
The men's team was 5-0 at home in doubleheader games in the 2023-24 season but fell to 0-1 in such games this season after the 105-81 loss to Akron, Jan. 11. EMU responded with an 80-73 win against Toledo, Feb. 15, to move to 1-1 in doubleheaders this season.
NEXT UP
Eastern Michigan hosts Bowling Green Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 6:30 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 Northern Illinois will air on ESPN+ from the Convocation Center. Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner will have the call live on WEMU (89.1 FM) and the Varsity Network App. Live stats will also be available on EMUEagles.com.
OPENING TIPS
»Eastern took down second-place Miami, 76-66, Tuesday, Feb. 18, to earn the MAC victory.
»Against Miami, Feb. 18, senior Da'Sean Nelson registered 25 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and four blocks against Miami, Feb. 18. Nelson is the first Eagle to record at least 25 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and four blocks in one game since at least the 2001-02 season.
»In the week prior, senior Jalen Terry put together an outstanding two games for the Eagles, averaging 31.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over the two contest to earn Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week and MAC Player of the Week honors.
»Senior Jalen Terry, who made his first 12 shots from the field, scored 38 points as Eastern upended Toledo, 80-73, Feb. 15, helping the Eagles move into the MAC's top-eight in the conference standings. The Eagles led for a season-high 37:37 in the contest.
»Toledo native Da'Sean Nelson added 21 points, scoring 13 points in the game's first 8:50.
»During conference play, senior Da'Sean Nelson ranks second in the MAC with 17.7 points per game.
»The Eagles, which sit at 6-7 in the MAC for the first time since the 2018-19 season, are seeking a 7-7 start in conference play against NIU, Feb. 22, and look to come one win closer to securing a postseason bid.
»EMU and Texas are the only teams in the nation to have at least three different players to score 32 points in separate games this season.
»Eastern Michigan's Stan Heath is in his fourth year at the helm of the Eagles, holding a 44-75 record at EMU and a 253-282 record over 17 years as a collegiate head coach.
ALL TIME SERIES VS. NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Eastern Michigan and Northern Illinois will meet for the 107th time as NIU leads the all-time series, 59-47.
The Eagles won the most recent meeting between the teams, 75-71, Jan. 4, in Ypsilanti. Eastern overcame a four-point halftime deficit in a game that EMU led by exactly one point on four occasions in the final 7:27.
Da'Sean Nelson scored 32 points with 16 in each half to go with nine rebounds while Christian Henry added 13 points and nine assists in a game that EMU led for the last 12:30.
NIU has won four-straight meetings in DeKalb as EMU last won on the road in the series, 75-69, March 2, 2019.
NELSON 25 POINTS, 8 REBOUNDS
Senior Da'Sean Nelson registered 25 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and four blocks against Miami, Feb. 18. Nelson is the first Eagle to record at least 25 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and four blocks in one game since at least the 2001-02 season. Nelson is the first MAC player to achieve that stat line or better since Central Michigan's Brian Taylor had 27 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and four blocks, Dec. 19, 2023.
DA'SEAN NELSON BLOCKS IN 10-OF-11 GAMES
Senior Da'Sean Nelson, who matched his career high with four blocks against Miami, Feb. 18, has at least one block in 10 of the last 11 games.
Nelson has 20 blocks during the 11-game stretch (1.8 per game) and multiple blocks in five of those games.
DA'SEAN NELSON AGAINST NIU
Senior Da'Sean Nelson, who posted a robust 32-point, nine-rebound performance in EMU's win against Northern Illinois, Jan. 4, also had a stellar showing against the Huskies with DePaul, Nov. 25, 2023. Fellow DePaul transfer Jalen Terry did not play in the game, but Nelson poured in 23 points, despite playing for just 18:27 in the loss to NIU.
In Nelson's two career games against the Huskies, he is averaging 27.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Nelson, who played 33:56 in this season's matchup, has totaled 52:23 of action against the Huskies, meaning that he has averaged 1.05 points per minute played.
JOHN SHANU II AGAINST MIAMI
Against Miami, Feb. 18, redshirt junior John Shanu II played 16:33, his third-highest court time of the season, while drawing his fourth-straight start. Shanu II hauled in a career-high four rebounds while adding three points and one assist.
JALEN TERRY LAST THREE GAMES
Senior Jalen Terry has been on a tear the last three games, helping Eastern to a 2-1 mark in that span.
In the last three contests, Terry has averaged 29.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.0 blocks and has been incredibly efficient, shooting 32-of-48 (66.7%) from the floor and 13-of-23 (56.5%) from three-point range.
Terry's complete game-by-game breakdown can be found on page 26.
JALEN TERRY NATIONAL/MAC POTW
Senior Jalen Terry put together an outstanding week for the Eagles, averaging 31.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over the two games to earn Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week and MAC Player of the Week honors.
His week was highlighted by a 38-point effort against Toledo, Feb. 15, while also scoring 25 points at Ball State, Feb. 11.
JALEN TERRY 38 POINTS AGAINST TOLEDO
Against Toledo, Feb. 15, senior Jalen Terry scored a career-high 38 points to go with eight rebounds and two assists. Terry converted his first 12 field goal attempts of the game, finishing 15-of-17 from the field.
His 38 points are the tied for the second-most scored by an Eagle in the history of the George Gervin GameAbove Center (Raven Lee, 46, vs. Miami, Feb. 2, 2016; Lee, 38, vs. Texas Arlington, Nov. 23, 2013) while his career-high 15 made field goals are the most by an Eagle in the arena's history and one short of the arena record. The 38 points are the most by an Eagle since Emoni Bates dropped 43 at Toledo, Jan. 24, 2023.
Terry's 15-of-17 (88.2%) showing from the field is the best by an Eagle (minimum 15 attempts) since the 1997-98 season. Furthermore, Terry's 6-of-7 (85.7%) mark from three-point range ties the program's best since the 1997-98 season (Willie Mangum IV vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 18, 2016; Carlos Medlock vs. Akron, Feb. 11, 2006. His 15 made field goals are tied for the seventh-most in the nation this season.
JT 25+ POINTS, 6+ THREE-POINTERS
Senior Jalen Terry scored 38 points with six made three-pointers against Toledo, Feb. 15. He 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.
Terry is the first Eagle since the 2002-03 season to record three such games in one season.
EMU Players With 25 Points AND Six Three-Pointers TOTAL Games in One Season (Since 2002-03):
1. Jalen Terry 3 2024-25
T2. Tyson Acuff 2 2022-23
T2. Emoni Bates 2 2022-23
T2. Elijah Minnie 2 2018-19
T2. Willie Mangum 2 2016-17
MAC Players With 25 Points AND Six 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 was also the first Eagle since Carlos Medlock, Feb. 11-15, 2006, to knock down six three-pointers in back-to-back games.
JALEN TERRY 25 POINTS, 5 REBOUNDS, 5 ASSISTS
At Ball State, Feb. 11, senior Jalen Terry scored 25 points to go with five rebounds and five assists. He is that first Eagle to achieve that statline since Noah Farrakhan had 28 points, five rebounds, and seven assists against Florida International in four overtimes, Dec. 11, 2021. Terry is the first Eagle with 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists in MAC play since March 5, 2011, when Brandon Bowdry had 27 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists against Toledo.
Terry made four three-pointers, marking the eighth time this season he has made at least four three-pointers this season and 17th time in his career.
DA'SEAN NELSON 21 POINTS AGAINST TOLEDO
Toledo native Da'Sean Nelson netted 21 points against his hometown Toledo Rockets, Feb. 15, adding six rebounds, three steals, two assists, and one block.
While fellow DePaul transfer Jalen Terry took over the game with a 38-point outburst, Nelson controlled the contest early for Eastern, netting 13 points in the game's first 8:50.
7-7 IN THE MAC...?
Eastern Michigan, which sits at 6-7 in the MAC for the first time since the 2018-19 season, is seeking a 6-7 start in conference play against Miami, Feb. 18. The 2018-19 team started 7-7 in MAC play.
EYEING THE MAC TOURNAMENT
Eastern Michigan, which has not qualified for the MAC Tournament since 2019, sits at 6-7 in conference play and is tied for sixth with Ball State and Western Michigan in the MAC standings.
Eastern is expected to need at least two more MAC wins to be in the field.
No. 8 in MAC Standings Wins by Year (last 10 shown):
Year Wins School
2023-24 8 Kent State
2022-23 6 Miami
2021-22 6 CMU/BGSU/NIU
2020-21 8 Ball St. (no tournament)
2019-20 8 Toledo/Ohio
2018-19 8 Akron/NIU
2017-18 7 BGSU/Ohio/CMU
2016-17 7 EMU/BGSU/NIU
2015-16 9 EMU/NIU
2014-15 8 EMU/Miami/NIU
Data Since 1997-98 (first season with 12 MAC teams)
Average MAC Wins by No. 8 Seed: 7.52
Highest MAC Wins Needed: 10 (2004-05)
Lowest MAC Wins Needed: 6 (4x, last 2022-23)
MAC SCORING LEADERS
During conference play, senior Da'Sean Nelson ranks second in scoring at 17.7 points per game. Adding in senior Jalen Terry's 16.6 points per game during MAC play, Eastern is the only team in the MAC with two players in the top-eight.
MAC Points Per Game Leaders (conference only):
1. Uginus Jarusevicius (CMU) 18.8
2 . Da'Sean Nelson (EMU) 17.7
3. Quentin Jones (NIU) 17.3
4. Chansey Willis Jr. (WMU) 16.8
5. Jalen Sullinger (Kent St.) 16.7
T6 Jalen Terry (EMU) 16.6
Marcus Johnson (BGSU) 16.6
8. Nate Johnson (Akron) 16.5
9. Jermahri Hill (Ball St.) 16.3
VonCameron Davis (KSU) 16.3
HENRY IMPROVING AT THE FREE THROW LINE
Junior Christian Henry has made 35 of his last 43 free throws (81.4%) after making just 49 of his first 82 attempts (59.8%) this season.
In total, Henry is 84-for-125 (67.2%) from the charity stripe.
NELSON/TERRY 1,000 CAREER POINTS
DePaul transfers Da'Sean Nelson and Jalen Terry both reached 1,000 career points during the 2024-25 season as Nelson passed the mark against Toledo, Feb. 15, while Terry's 24-point effort against Miami, Feb. 18, vaulted him past the plateau.
Nelson has 1,036 career points (408 at EMU, 628 at DePaul) and Terry has 1,019 career points (408 at EMU, 554 at DePaul, 57 at Oregon).
BILLINGSLEY + NELSON SHOOTING PERCENTAGES
Senior Jalin Billingsley ranks fourth in the MAC in field goal percentage, shooting 111-for-200 (.555) while senior Da'Sean Nelson is ninth in the MAC at 143-for-283 (.505).
Billingsley has 17-straight games with multiple field goals made while Nelson has at least eight conversions in three of the last four games.
DA'SEAN NELSON GETS FOULED A LOT
Senior Da'Sean Nelson has been fouled 156 times in 25 games played (6.2 fouls per game). During MAC play, Nelson has accumulated 87 fouls drawn in 13 games (6.7 fouls per game).
Nelson has drawn at least eight fouls in 10 games this season, all of which have come in the last 19 games.
Eastern Michigan Leaders in Fouls Drawn:
Player Total Average
Da'Sean Nelson 156 6.2
Christian Henry 115 4.4
Jalen Terry 64 2.6
Jalin Billingsley 59 2.3
ONE OF TWO SCHOOLS WITH 32+ POINTS (x3)
With senior Jalen Terry's 38 points against Toledo, Feb. 15, senior Da'Sean Nelson's 32 points against Northern Illinois, Jan. 4, and senior Jalin Billingsley's 32 points against Siena Heights, Nov. 8, Eastern Michigan and Texas are the only two schools in the nation with at least three different players reaching 32 points this season.
Different Players Scoring 32+ Points:
T1. Eastern Michigan 3
Texas 3
In total, 151 different players have a 32-point performance this season.
Adding in junior Christian Henry's 28-point showing against Detroit Mercy, Nov. 30, Eastern Michigan is one of eight teams in the nation with at least four different players reaching 28 points this season. Austin Peay leads the nation with five different players achieving the mark.
Different Players Scoring 28+ Points:
1. Austin Peay 5
T2. Eastern Michigan 4
Bellarmine 4
Oklahoma 4
Missouri 4
New Orleans 4
Prairie View A&M 4
San Jose State 4
In total, 466 different players have a 28-point performance this season.
SUCCESS IN CLOSE GAMES
After the Eagles fell, 86-84, at Ball State, Feb. 11, Eastern moved to 6-2 in games decided by four points or less. Eastern's six wins by four or fewer is tied for the fifth-most in the nation. The trend has continued from the 2023-24 season when the Eagles were 8-3 in games decided by four points or less.
National Leaders in Wins by Four Points or Less:
- Princeton 9
T3. Marist 7
TCU 7
Texas A&M 7
Utah Valley 7
T7. Eastern Michigan 6
19 other schools 6
TWO EAGLES AVERAGING 16 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.5 APG
Eastern is the only team in the nation to have multiple players averaging at least 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals.
Senior Da'Sean Nelson is averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals while senior Jalen Terry is averaging 16.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.5 steals.
In total, 34 different players nationally are averaging 16 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals.
Nelson is one of just two players nationally to average at least 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.0 blocks, and shoot at least 50.0% from the floor. Nelson, who averages 1.1 blocks and is shooting 50.5%, is joined by UAB's Yaxel Lendeborg on the list.
Terry is one of 17 players nationally to average at least 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.5 steals. Terry is the only MAC player on the list of 17 players, which also includes former Eagle Orlando Lovejoy.
THREE EAGLES AVERAGING 14+ POINTS
Eastern has three players averaging 14.0 points for the first time since 2015-16 and four players averaging 10.0 points for the first time since 2017-18.
Player PPG 2024-25
Da'Sean Nelson 16.3
Jalen Terry 16.3
Christian Henry 14.3
Jalin Billingsley 10.5
Player PPG 2015-16
Elijah Minnie 16.8
Paul Jackson 14.9
James Thompson 14.5
Player PPG 2017-18
Ray Lee 15.1
Elijah Minnie 14.8
Willie Mangum 12.0
Ty Toney 11.0
TWO EAGLES AVERAGING 3.0+ ASSISTS
Eastern has two players averaging 3.0 assists for the first time since 2017-18.
Player APG 2024-25
Christian Henry 3.4
Jalen Terry 3.1
Player APG 2017-18
Paul Jackson 4.6
Tim Bond 3.5
SECOND-HALF SCORING
Eastern is averaging 39.5 points in the second half while averaging 32.9 points in the first half.
In EMU's 26 games, the Eagles have scored more points in the second half than the first in 18 games.
Nine of the Eagles' 12 top half totals have come in the second half.
Date Against Half Total (Half)
Dec. 21 Wright State 59 (2nd)
Jan. 7 Toledo 54 (2nd)
Nov. 30 Detroit Mercy 52 (2nd)
Jan. 21 Ohio 50 (1st)
Jan. 25 Buffalo 48 (2nd)
Feb. 8 Old Dominion 47 (2nd)
Nov. 14 IU Indy 45 (1st)
Jan. 21 Ohio 44 (2nd)
Nov. 8 Siena Heights 43 (2nd)
Dec. 28 Davidson 43 (2nd)
Jan. 11 Akron 43 (2nd)
Feb. 15 Toledo 43 (2nd)
JALEN TERRY MAC MINUTES LEADER
Senior Jalen Terry leads the MAC in minutes, averaging 37.2 minutes per game.
National Minutes Leaders:
1. Bennett Stiritz (Drake) 38.9
2.Mitch Macari (Drake) 37.9
3. Nicholas Martinelli (NW) 37.7
4. Gibson Jimerson (SLU) 37.6
5. Jalen Terry (EMU) 37.2
With former Eagle Tyson Acuff ranking fourth in the nation in minutes per game at 37.9 in 2023-24, if Terry can remain in the top six, EMU would be the first school since Stony Brook (2021-23) to have different players rank inside the top six in minutes nationally in different seasons.
DA'SEAN NELSON MAC POTW (x3)
Senior Da'Sean Nelson, who was named MAC Player of the Week Dec. 2 and Dec. 23, won his third conference weekly honor of the season after an impressive 32-point, nine-rebound showing against Northern Illinois, Jan. 4.
By earning the recognition for the third time, Nelson is the first player in the MAC to accomplish that feat since former Akron Zip and current Indiana Pacer Enrique Freeman earned the honor eight times in 2023-24.
BELOW THE CENTURY MARK
In 383 games at the George Gervin GameAbove Center since opening in 1998-99, only two teams have reached 100 points against the Eagles as 2022-23 Florida Atlantic, which reached the 2023 Final Four, scored 101 at EMU, Dec. 4, 2022. The second team was Akron, Jan. 11, 2025, in a 105-81 EMU loss.
Top Point Totals by Foes at the George Gervin GameAbove Center:
Date School Points
Jan. 11, 2025 Akron 105
Dec. 4, 2022 Florida Atlantic 101
Dec. 15, 2024 Purdue Fort Wayne 99
Nov. 30, 2024 Detroit Mercy 98
Nov. 12, 2023 Illinois State 98
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 639-STRAIGHT GAM3S
Eastern, which hit eight threes against Miami, Feb. 18, has now hit at least one triple in 639-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.
EASTERN MICHIGAN HAS FOUR ROAD WINS
Eastern has accumulated four road wins in the 2024-25 season, which matches its total from last season. If the Eagles can secure another road win this season, it would mark their first time reaching five road wins in one season since tallying seven in the 2017-18 campaign.
EASTERN MICHIGAN ROAD CLOSURE
Eastern Michigan will close the season at Ohio, March 4, and at Kent State, March 7.
The 2024-25 season will mark the third-straight year in which the Eagles' final two regular season games are on the road while EMU will play its last regular season competition away from home for the eighth-straight season. Eastern's last two regular season contests have been road games five of the last seven years.
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 NINTH
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.
NEW FOE, WHO DIS?
The Eagles added competition against three first-time opponents this season; they faced off against Texas State, Nov. 4 (L, 44-64), Houston Christian, Nov. 25 (W, 74-73), and Wright State, Dec. 21 (W, 86-82).
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).
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 Senegalese players and Nwabude is one of 38 Nigerian players.
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 October 2024 to repair a torn meniscus, but returned to G-League action, Dec. 15, 2024, with 10 points and five rebounds. By Feb. 13, 2025, Bates had returned to form, dropping 30 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
FINAL DOUBLEHEADER DAY
To end the month, the Eagles are scheduled to play the last of three double-headers with the EMU women's basketball team. Both the EMU men's and women's teams play Feb. 22 at Northern Illinois.
The men's team was 5-0 at home in doubleheader games in the 2023-24 season but fell to 0-1 in such games this season after the 105-81 loss to Akron, Jan. 11. EMU responded with an 80-73 win against Toledo, Feb. 15, to move to 1-1 in doubleheaders this season.
NEXT UP
Eastern Michigan hosts Bowling Green Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 6:30 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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/ Men's BasketballBen Braun Video at MAC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Friday, May 30
Ben Braun at MAC Hall of Fame Induction
Friday, May 30
Charles E. Ramsey - MAC Hall of Fame Induction of Ben Braun
Friday, May 30
Jack Brusewitz - MAC Hall of Fame Induction of Ben Braun
Friday, May 30