Get Ready for the 2025-26 Bellarmine Men’s Basketball Season: A Complete Preview from Bellarmine University Athletics

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Bellarmine University men’s basketball team is kicking off its 76th season. This year is exciting because Doug Davenport takes the helm as head coach. It’s a big moment for the program since his father, Scott Davenport, led the team for 20 years, enjoying significant success, including a national championship.

After a tough couple of seasons finishing last in the ASUN, Doug has brought in nine new players and a new assistant coach, Winston Yergler, aiming to revitalize the team.

Meet the Team

Returning Players:

• Jack Karasinski: A senior who averaged 15.4 points per game last season and boasts a solid shooting percentage of .534.

• Kenyon Goodin: As the team’s top three-point shooter last season, he’s looking to build on a strong finish, averaging 12.7 points in the last nine games.

• Tyler Doyle: A dependable guard who stood out with a .551 shooting percentage, he played in all 31 games last season.

• Myles Watkins: In his first Division I season, he impressed with a .514 shooting percentage in ASUN games.

• Grant Whitaker: A redshirt sophomore who made significant contributions by starting the last 14 games of last season.

New Additions:

• Brian Waddell: A redshirt senior who played at Purdue and competed in NCAA tournaments, bringing valuable experience.

• Michael Wilson Jr.: Jumping from Division II, he averaged 16.9 points last season at North Greenville.

• Darrius Bolden: A fifth-year player who has experience and measurable stats to strengthen the roster.

Fresh Faces:

Five true freshmen have joined the team, each with notable achievements. Tommy Clark, Ant McAfee, Dominique Murphy, Sam Donald, and Jacob Wassler are bringing talent and energy, aiming to make an immediate impact.

Season Outlook

Bellarmine has a challenging schedule. They’ll face 13 nonconference teams before diving into an 18-game ASUN slate. Highlights include matches against major schools like Georgia and Kentucky. The season opener is set for November 3 against Georgia, followed by tough games against Kansas State, Notre Dame, and Kentucky later in December.

Historical Context

Bellarmine’s transition into Division I basketball has been a journey filled with challenges and accomplishments. The team finally wrapped up its four-year reclassification, gaining eligibility for NCAA tournaments. This change positions the Knights to grow and compete against higher-level teams.

Looking Ahead

The Knights are prepared for a tough season with a renewed focus on improvement. The addition of new players and coaching staff aims to get the Knights back on track. With a mix of experience and fresh talent, they are ready to tackle the season, starting with an exhibition against Centre College.

For ongoing updates about the Knights, connect through their social media: X, Instagram, and Facebook.

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