Explore the Future: Faulkner & Media Unveil the Exciting 2025-26 Campaign at Youngstown State University

Youngstown, Ohio – On Tuesday morning, Coach Ethan Faulkner of Youngstown State men’s basketball spoke with media members about the upcoming 2025-26 season.

The Penguins kick off their season against Pittsburgh on November 3, at the Petersen Events Center. It will be a challenging start, with six of their first seven games away from home. Their first game at Zidian Family Arena is against Penn State-Shenango on November 10, with a tipoff set for 6:30 p.m.

The Penguins are coming off a strong performance, with their third consecutive 20-win season. Last year, they finished 21-13, a significant achievement in their history. Previously, they had records of 22-10 in 2023-24 and 24-10 in 2022-23, which included their first regular-season conference championship.

Coach Ethan Faulkner is entering his second year as head coach after two years as associate head coach and three years as an assistant. During his tenure, the Penguins have won a total of 119 games, authoring what is being recognized as a significant era for the program.

In the Horizon League, Youngstown State holds the record for the most wins over the last four seasons, totaling 76 overall and achieving 54 victories in conference play. Their win totals for each of the past four seasons were impressive: 19, 24, 22, and 21 wins, respectively.

This year, the Penguins will rely on their returning seniors: Cris Carroll, Jason Nelson, and Imanuel Zorgvol. Carroll is the leading scorer returning, averaging 9.2 points per game, with a notable 9.9 against conference foes. Nelson contributed 8.0 points and 2.7 assists per game last season, while Zorgvol had a promising performance in his last season played, focusing on shooting efficiency and defensive blocks.

The team is also strengthening its roster through the transfer portal. New players Derrick Anderson, Bryson Dawkins, and others are bringing fresh talent. Redshirt freshman Shaheed Solebo and newcomers Tae Blackshear, Jaiden Haynes, Markus Navarra, and Connor Swider are anticipated to make an impact as well.

A standout performer to watch is forward Vlad Salaridze. Last season at UT-Martin, he showcased his versatility, being the only NCAA Division I player to achieve over 300 points, 250 rebounds, 75 assists, 60 steals, and 30 three-pointers. He averaged 10.8 points and 7.8 rebounds, making him a key player for the Penguins.

Senior Bryson Dawkins made headlines last year, earning First-Team All-Southland Conference honors. His standout game included a remarkable 41 points against SFA, which solidified his reputation as a formidable scorer.

As the season unfolds, fans and analysts will be keen to see how Youngstown State builds on last year’s success. The blend of experienced returners and new talent could create an exciting season ahead. Stay tuned!

Source link