Eastern Michigan Athletics
Donlon Sets the Standard for a New Era of EMU Men's Basketball
10/9/2026 4:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Toughness, selflessness and development headline a new chapter in Ypsilanti
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- A new era of Eastern Michigan University men's basketball begins with a clear vision, a commitment to player development and a standard built on toughness, selflessness and accountability.
Head Coach Billy Donlon takes the reins for the 2026-27 season, bringing a detailed approach tobuilding a program and a strong belief in the people who make Eastern Michigan special. As Donlon prepares for his first season leading the Green and White, the focus is on establishing an identity that student-athletes, coaches and supporters can embrace.
"This is such a special place. It starts with the people here," Donlon said. "So many hard-working, great people that really care about Eastern Michigan, about its students."
Donlon and his family have embraced the transition to Ypsilanti, and he credited the university's leadership with helping him build a staff and begin laying the foundation for the program. With those pieces in place, his attention has turned to preparing the team for the challenges ahead.
Establishing an Identity
For Donlon, building a successful program starts with defining how the team will play and how its players will approach the game.
He wants Eastern Michigan to be recognized for its effort, competitive spirit and willingness to put the team ahead of individual accomplishments. The standard applies regardless of the opponent, the score or the circumstances.
"We're not shooting selfish shots, hungry shots," Donlon said. "We're on the floor for loose balls and we're competing no matter the time score situation."
That identity also requires a level of mental toughness. Donlon knows a season brings both positive stretches and difficult moments, and he wants his players to respond to each with the same discipline.
"I want us to handle success as well as we handle failure because there's going to be both," Donlon said. "And it takes toughness to handle both."
Selflessness is another central part of his philosophy. Donlon believes players must understand their individual value while remaining committed to a shared purpose. "It's not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less," he said.
For Donlon, the goal is to build a team that plays for something larger than individual recognition.
Finding the Right Fit
Establishing that identity starts with the people Donlon brings into the program. His recruiting approach prioritizes more than talent, focusing on character, work ethic and a genuine commitment to basketball.
"You've got to get the evaluations right because if you get the evaluation wrong, the sell doesn't matter," Donlon said.
He also believes players deserve a clear picture of the expectations awaiting them in Ypsilanti. Donlon takes an upfront approach with recruits, explaining the demands of the program and the work required to succeed.
"I'm an upfront coach," he said. "I let them know exactly what their life here is going to be."
That honesty extends to the commitment he expects once players arrive on campus. Donlon wants individuals who enjoy the daily work of basketball and understand the value of competing for one another.
"It's really hard to play for us if you're not in love with the game of basketball," he said.
During a visit with the team, former NBA great George Gervin challenged the players with a question that aligned with Donlon's message: Are you in love with the game?
For Donlon, the answer should show through daily habits, not simply words.
Improvement Is the Goal
That commitment must continue once players arrive on campus. Donlon and his staff have placed a strong emphasis on individual development, challenging each player to make tangible progress throughout the season.
His goal is straightforward: help every player improve by a letter grade each year. A player who enters as a B-level shooter, for example, should work toward becoming an A-level shooter. The process requires consistency, accountability and a willingness to put in extra work outside scheduled practices.
Donlon has been encouraged by players taking ownership of their development through additional shooting, film study and individual workouts.
The team's summer trip to Canada also provided an early opportunity to build chemistry and reinforce those expectations. Donlon was pleased with the group's effort during the trip and believes the experience helped strengthen its commitment.
The team returned to campus "more bought in than ever," he said. That progress gives the coaching staff a foundation to build on as preparations continue for the
regular season.
Versatility Across the Roster
The work has also given Donlon an opportunity to evaluate how the roster's individual strengths complement one another. Several players have caught his attention, and he sees versatility as one of the team's potential advantages.
Braelon Green (Southfield, Mich./Southern California Academy/Arizona State/Bowling Green) has stood out since the middle of the summer, earning praise from Donlon for his performance and consistency. Sencire Harris (Canton, Ohio/St. Vincent-St. Mary's/Cincinnati/West Virginia/Illinois), Mohammad Habhab (Dearborn, Mich./Fordson/Central Michigan), Kilian Brockhoff (Cuxhaven, Germany/William & Mary), and Emanuel Richards (Irmo, S.C./Christ School/Longwood) also made strong contributions during the team's Canada trip, helping lead the scoring across the two games.
Donlon also highlighted Jaiden Martin's (Milwaukee, Wisc./Dominican/Parkland CC) ability to score and Jabri Fitzpatrick's (North Brunswick, N.J./North Brunswick Township/New Haven) contributions.
Beyond individual performances, the roster offers options in how Eastern Michigan approaches both ends of the floor. Donlon noted the perimeter skills of Kilian, Kaden Johnson (Hartford, Mich./Hartford/Huntington), Mohammad and Jordan Wright (Clinton Township, Mich./Chippewa Valley/Oakland CC), while Richards and Harris provide options in the post. That flexibility gives the staff different combinations to consider as the team develops its rotations and
offensive approach.
A Challenging Road Ahead
With the roster taking shape, Eastern Michigan will begin measuring its progress against a demanding schedule. The non-conference slate features several road tests and matchups designed to prepare the team for the rigors of Mid-American Conference play.
The season opens against Coastal Carolina as part of the MAC-Sun Belt Challenge. Other non- conference opponents include Detroit Mercy, Denver, Louisville and Xavier, along with competition at a tournament in Cancun.
The Cancun field provides another early test, including Kennesaw State, which won 20 games and reached the postseason last year.
Eastern Michigan will also face the challenge of playing its exhibition games on the road. Donlon views those opportunities as valuable preparation, giving the team a chance to compete in difficult environments before the regular season begins.
The early schedule will test the team's toughness and adaptability, offering the coaching staff a clearer picture of where the group stands and where improvement is still needed.
Building a Connection With the Community
Donlon's ambitions extend beyond the team's results. He also wants the program's effort and competitiveness to strengthen its connection with the Eastern Michigan community and bring more fans into the George Gervin GameAbove Center.
The arena provides a strong setting for college basketball, and Donlon hopes the team's approach gives supporters a reason to fill the building.
"This place is too beautiful," Donlon said, expressing his hope that fans will feel the players deserve their support.
One of his goals is to help deliver the first men's basketball sellout at the George Gervin GameAbove Center. Reaching that milestone will require success on the court, but Donlon also wants supporters to recognize the team's effort and commitment every time the Green and White plays.
For him, building a connection with the community starts with how the players represent the university.
The Work Starts Now
The first season under Donlon will test how quickly those expectations translate into results. With a new coaching staff, a versatile roster and a challenging schedule, Eastern Michigan has its first opportunity to establish the foundation for the program's future.
Donlon's first season will be an opportunity to put his vision into action. From daily practices to the challenges of MAC play, Eastern Michigan will work to establish a recognizable identity built on toughness, selflessness and steady improvement.
The standard has been set. Now, the Green and White must carry it onto the court and give the Eastern Michigan community a team worth rallying behind.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- A new era of Eastern Michigan University men's basketball begins with a clear vision, a commitment to player development and a standard built on toughness, selflessness and accountability.
Head Coach Billy Donlon takes the reins for the 2026-27 season, bringing a detailed approach tobuilding a program and a strong belief in the people who make Eastern Michigan special. As Donlon prepares for his first season leading the Green and White, the focus is on establishing an identity that student-athletes, coaches and supporters can embrace.
"This is such a special place. It starts with the people here," Donlon said. "So many hard-working, great people that really care about Eastern Michigan, about its students."
Donlon and his family have embraced the transition to Ypsilanti, and he credited the university's leadership with helping him build a staff and begin laying the foundation for the program. With those pieces in place, his attention has turned to preparing the team for the challenges ahead.
Establishing an Identity
For Donlon, building a successful program starts with defining how the team will play and how its players will approach the game.
He wants Eastern Michigan to be recognized for its effort, competitive spirit and willingness to put the team ahead of individual accomplishments. The standard applies regardless of the opponent, the score or the circumstances.
"We're not shooting selfish shots, hungry shots," Donlon said. "We're on the floor for loose balls and we're competing no matter the time score situation."
That identity also requires a level of mental toughness. Donlon knows a season brings both positive stretches and difficult moments, and he wants his players to respond to each with the same discipline.
"I want us to handle success as well as we handle failure because there's going to be both," Donlon said. "And it takes toughness to handle both."
Selflessness is another central part of his philosophy. Donlon believes players must understand their individual value while remaining committed to a shared purpose. "It's not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less," he said.
For Donlon, the goal is to build a team that plays for something larger than individual recognition.
Finding the Right Fit
Establishing that identity starts with the people Donlon brings into the program. His recruiting approach prioritizes more than talent, focusing on character, work ethic and a genuine commitment to basketball.
"You've got to get the evaluations right because if you get the evaluation wrong, the sell doesn't matter," Donlon said.
He also believes players deserve a clear picture of the expectations awaiting them in Ypsilanti. Donlon takes an upfront approach with recruits, explaining the demands of the program and the work required to succeed.
"I'm an upfront coach," he said. "I let them know exactly what their life here is going to be."
That honesty extends to the commitment he expects once players arrive on campus. Donlon wants individuals who enjoy the daily work of basketball and understand the value of competing for one another.
"It's really hard to play for us if you're not in love with the game of basketball," he said.
During a visit with the team, former NBA great George Gervin challenged the players with a question that aligned with Donlon's message: Are you in love with the game?
For Donlon, the answer should show through daily habits, not simply words.
Improvement Is the Goal
That commitment must continue once players arrive on campus. Donlon and his staff have placed a strong emphasis on individual development, challenging each player to make tangible progress throughout the season.
His goal is straightforward: help every player improve by a letter grade each year. A player who enters as a B-level shooter, for example, should work toward becoming an A-level shooter. The process requires consistency, accountability and a willingness to put in extra work outside scheduled practices.
Donlon has been encouraged by players taking ownership of their development through additional shooting, film study and individual workouts.
The team's summer trip to Canada also provided an early opportunity to build chemistry and reinforce those expectations. Donlon was pleased with the group's effort during the trip and believes the experience helped strengthen its commitment.
The team returned to campus "more bought in than ever," he said. That progress gives the coaching staff a foundation to build on as preparations continue for the
regular season.
Versatility Across the Roster
The work has also given Donlon an opportunity to evaluate how the roster's individual strengths complement one another. Several players have caught his attention, and he sees versatility as one of the team's potential advantages.
Braelon Green (Southfield, Mich./Southern California Academy/Arizona State/Bowling Green) has stood out since the middle of the summer, earning praise from Donlon for his performance and consistency. Sencire Harris (Canton, Ohio/St. Vincent-St. Mary's/Cincinnati/West Virginia/Illinois), Mohammad Habhab (Dearborn, Mich./Fordson/Central Michigan), Kilian Brockhoff (Cuxhaven, Germany/William & Mary), and Emanuel Richards (Irmo, S.C./Christ School/Longwood) also made strong contributions during the team's Canada trip, helping lead the scoring across the two games.
Donlon also highlighted Jaiden Martin's (Milwaukee, Wisc./Dominican/Parkland CC) ability to score and Jabri Fitzpatrick's (North Brunswick, N.J./North Brunswick Township/New Haven) contributions.
Beyond individual performances, the roster offers options in how Eastern Michigan approaches both ends of the floor. Donlon noted the perimeter skills of Kilian, Kaden Johnson (Hartford, Mich./Hartford/Huntington), Mohammad and Jordan Wright (Clinton Township, Mich./Chippewa Valley/Oakland CC), while Richards and Harris provide options in the post. That flexibility gives the staff different combinations to consider as the team develops its rotations and
offensive approach.
A Challenging Road Ahead
With the roster taking shape, Eastern Michigan will begin measuring its progress against a demanding schedule. The non-conference slate features several road tests and matchups designed to prepare the team for the rigors of Mid-American Conference play.
The season opens against Coastal Carolina as part of the MAC-Sun Belt Challenge. Other non- conference opponents include Detroit Mercy, Denver, Louisville and Xavier, along with competition at a tournament in Cancun.
The Cancun field provides another early test, including Kennesaw State, which won 20 games and reached the postseason last year.
Eastern Michigan will also face the challenge of playing its exhibition games on the road. Donlon views those opportunities as valuable preparation, giving the team a chance to compete in difficult environments before the regular season begins.
The early schedule will test the team's toughness and adaptability, offering the coaching staff a clearer picture of where the group stands and where improvement is still needed.
Building a Connection With the Community
Donlon's ambitions extend beyond the team's results. He also wants the program's effort and competitiveness to strengthen its connection with the Eastern Michigan community and bring more fans into the George Gervin GameAbove Center.
The arena provides a strong setting for college basketball, and Donlon hopes the team's approach gives supporters a reason to fill the building.
"This place is too beautiful," Donlon said, expressing his hope that fans will feel the players deserve their support.
One of his goals is to help deliver the first men's basketball sellout at the George Gervin GameAbove Center. Reaching that milestone will require success on the court, but Donlon also wants supporters to recognize the team's effort and commitment every time the Green and White plays.
For him, building a connection with the community starts with how the players represent the university.
The Work Starts Now
The first season under Donlon will test how quickly those expectations translate into results. With a new coaching staff, a versatile roster and a challenging schedule, Eastern Michigan has its first opportunity to establish the foundation for the program's future.
Donlon's first season will be an opportunity to put his vision into action. From daily practices to the challenges of MAC play, Eastern Michigan will work to establish a recognizable identity built on toughness, selflessness and steady improvement.
The standard has been set. Now, the Green and White must carry it onto the court and give the Eastern Michigan community a team worth rallying behind.
Players Mentioned
Friday, October 09
Friday, October 02
Saturday, August 22
Wednesday, May 27