The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Photo by: Brantley Bargerhuff
Breaking Down the MBB Non-Conference Slate: Part 2
9/20/2023 2:45:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BIRMINGHAM – UAB men's basketball has put together a competitive non-conference slate for the 2023-24 season. UABSports.com will be going through the Blazers' opponents in three parts as the season approaches.
ALCORN STATE
November 16, 2023 | Birmingham, Ala. | Bartow Arena
2022-23: 18-14, 15-3 SWAC | SWAC Regular Season Champs, NIT First Round
Head Coach: Landon Bussie | 4th Season | 41-43 Overall
Series History: UAB leads 8-0 | Last Meeting: 11/25/20, UAB 99, ALCST 50
The Blazers will face off with Alcorn State on Thursday, November 16 at Bartow Arena. The Braves are entering their fourth season under head coach Landon Bussie after earning back-to-back SWAC regular season titles.
Alcorn State returns a pair of players that averaged double-digits in scoring during the 2022-23 season in Byron Joshua and Jeremiah Kendall. The Braves excelled at getting to and converting from the free throw line last season, leading the SWAC in free throws made per game. ASU also crashes the offensive glass at a high rate, averaging over 12 offensive boards per contest.
Much of the Alcorn State roster has turned over since last season. The Braves have added 12 new players to their roster, including six JUCO transfers.
Key Returners: Byron Joshua (11.0 ppg, 4.2 apg), Jeremiah Kendall (11.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg)
Newcomers: Stephen Byard (JUCO), Jalen Hawkins (Norfolk State), Roderick Jones (JUCO), Alex Tsynkevich (JUCO), Jaylon Hicks (HS), Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt (HS), Jeremiah Gambrell (Prairie View), Rodrique Massenat (Austin Peay), Djahi Binet (JUCO), Trevon Stoutermire (JUCO), Lataevyon Taylor (HS), Del'Jayvien Harried (JUCO)
Final Rankings: ESPN BPI: 274, KenPom: 247, NET: 245
MIDDLE TENNESSEE
November 21, 2023 | Murfreesboro, Tenn. | Murphy Center
2022-23: 19-14, 11-9 C-USA
Head Coach: Nick McDevitt | 6th Season | 167–153 Overall, 69-87 at MTSU
Series History: UAB leads 18-10 | Last Meeting: 2/11/23, UAB 92, MTSU 69
UAB will match up with a familiar foe when the Blazers travel to Murfreesboro to face Middle Tennessee. The two programs have met 22 times over the last 10 seasons. The Blazers have won eight of the last nine meetings between the two programs.
The Blue Raiders lost a few major contributors from last year's roster in Eli Lawrence (transfer), DeAndre Dishman (graduated) and Teafale Lenard (transfer/pro). Camryn Weston represents a key returner for MTSU. The rising senior guard averaged 10.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game last season. Weston was the team's second leading scorer a year ago and will play a large role in the upcoming season. Elias King will also play a much larger role after the 6-8 guard averaged 9.3 points per contest last season. King finished in double figures 10 times during conference play.
Justin Bufford and Jestin Porter are two other players that will likely see their roles increase this year. The junior guards each averaged just under six points per contest last year and each spent time in the starting five.
The Blue Raiders were among the top teams in the country in blocks last year and they were known to force their opponents into turnovers with high pressure defense. MTSU forced turnovers at a 21.8 percent clip according to KenPom, which ranked 24th in the nation.
Key Returners: Camryn Weston (10.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.8 apg), Elias King (9.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Jestin Porter (5.9 ppg, 1.4 rpg), Justin Bufford (5.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg)
Newcomers: Ty Mosley (MVSU), Torey Alston (HS), O'zhell Jackson (JUCO), Chris Loofe (HS), Jacob Johnson (LIU), Josh Ogundele (Iowa)
Final Rankings: ESPN BPI: 134, KenPom: 116, NET: 109
FURMAN
November 25, 2023 | Birmingham, Ala. | Bartow Arena
2022-23: 28-8, 14-2 SoCon | SoCon Reg. Season & Tournament Champs, NCAA Second Round
Head Coach: Bob Richey | 7th Season | 139–55 Overall
Series History: Furman leads 1-0 | Last Meeting: 11/14/16, FUR 84, UAB 74
The Blazers will host another marquee game at Bartow Arena when mid-major power Furman comes to Birmingham. The Paladins are coming off an appearance in the second round of the NCAA Tournament after an upset win over Virginia in the first round. During Bob Richey's tenure, Furman has never finished lower than third in the SoCon standings and the Paladins have won at least 20 games in five of his six seasons, excluding only the 2020-21 season where they played only 25 games.
While Furman lost two major contributors in Jalen Slawson and Mike Bothwell, the Paladins again have an experienced and talented roster led by JP Pegues, Marcus Foster and Garrett Hein, who each were regular starters for last year's team. The Paladins return seven players that scored in double figures at least one time last season.
The Paladins are known to be one of the most efficient offenses in the nation. According to ShotQuality, Furman had the fifth-highest Rim & 3 percentage in the country at 89%. Rim & 3 percentage measures the rate at which each team gets a shot at the rim (drive to the basket or layup) or a three point attempt according to ShotQuality.
Key Returners: JP Pegues (11.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.9 apg), Marcus Foster (10.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg), Garrett Hein (7.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Alex Williams (6.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg)
Newcomers: Eddrin Bronson (HS), Tommy Humphries (HS), Cooper Bowser (HS), Cason Collins (HS), PJay Smith Jr. (Lee University)
Final Rankings: ESPN BPI: 92, KenPom: 92, NET: 88
MCNEESE STATE
November 28, 2023 | Birmingham, Ala. | Bartow Arena
2022-23: 11-23, 6-12 SLC
Head Coach: Will Wade | 1st Season | 196–96 Overall, 0-0 at McNeese
Series History: First Meeting | Last Meeting: N/A
While the Cowboys finished near the bottom of the Southland Conference last season, there is reason to expect McNeese State to be much improved under new head coach Will Wade. Wade is returning to the sidelines for the first time since 2021-22, his final season at LSU. He led the Tigers to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including one Sweet 16.
While this year's McNeese State roster will look very different, there will be a few familiar faces. The Cowboys return two of their top three scorers from last season. Christian Shumate led the Cowboys in both scoring and rebounding last year while Trae English added 10.8 ppg and 3.6 apg.
Wade brought in 10 new players for his first season in Lake Charles. Among the incoming players are Shahada Wells, CJ Felder and Mike Saunders who each have power conference experience.
Key Returners: Christian Shumate (15.1 ppg, 9.7 rpg), Trae English (10.8 ppg, 3.6 apg)
Newcomers: T'Johnn Brown (HS), Antavion Collum (CSU-Bakersfield), CJ Felder (Florida), Javohn Garcia (JUCO), Zach Harvey (UCSB), Cam Jones (SCSU), Nasir Mann (JUCO), DJ Richards (UTSA), Mike Saunders (Utah), Shahada Wells (TCU)
Final Rankings: ESPN BPI: 340, KenPom: 335, NET: 340
SOUTHERN MISS
December 1, 2023 | Birmingham, Ala. | Bartow Arena
2022-23: 25-8, 14-4 SBC | Sun Belt Regular Season Champs, NIT First Round
Head Coach: Jay Ladner | 5th Season | 125–161 DI Overall, 49–73 at Southern Miss
Series History: UAB leads 32-17 | Last Meeting: 3/14/23, UAB 88, USM 60
Southern Miss experienced a high level off success during their first season in the Sun Belt Conference. While Felipe Haase and DeAndre Pinckney have both exhausted their experience, leading scorer Austin Crowley is back for his final collegiate season after earning First Team All-Sun Belt honors last year.
The Golden Eagles played a high level of defense last season, holding opponents to just 66.1 points per game while forcing nearly 15 turnovers per contest. KenPom ranked the USM defense No. 33 in steal percentage last season at 11.7 percent.
USM brought in a lot of talent this offseason, headlined by former Illinois and St. John's guard Andre Curbelo. Curbelo averaged 9.6 points per game last season for the Red Storm. The Golden Eagles also brought in talented big man Victor Iwuakor from UNLV, a former top-100 recruit. Among the other incomers are JUCO big men Tegra Izay and Lieb Yat, JUCO forward Bryson Hall, and Francis Marion transfer Jose Benitez.
This will be the 50th meeting between UAB and Southern Miss. USM is the fourth school that the Blazers have played at least 50 times, joining South Florida (60), Charlotte (53) and Memphis (50).
Key Returners: Austin Crowley (16.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Donovan Ivory (5.5 ppg, 1.9 rpg), Mo Arnold (4.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.9 apg)
Newcomers: Andre Curbelo (Illinois/St. John's), Victor Iwuakor (Oklahoma/UNLV), Tegra Izay (JUCO), Lieb Yat (JUCO), Bryson Hall (JUCO), Jose Benitez (Francis Marion)
Final Rankings: ESPN BPI: 118, KenPom: 99, NET: 90
2023-24 SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2023-24 UAB men's basketball season are available starting as low as $110. Season ticket packages will feature all home games during UAB's inaugural season in the American Athletic Conference and provide the most cost-effective way to attend games at Bartow Arena. Fans may renew season tickets, purchase new season tickets, or request more information on season ticket options here. For more information about season ticket pricing, call the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1.
POWER UP
UAB Athletics is excited to officially compete in the American Athletic Conference and needs Blazer Nation to Power Up by becoming a 2023 Blazer Boosters member. Join Blazer Boosters today as UAB student-athletes compete for championships, graduate with honors, and make a difference in our community.
FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
For more information on the UAB men's basketball team, follow @UAB_MBB on Twitter and Instagram.
ALCORN STATE
November 16, 2023 | Birmingham, Ala. | Bartow Arena
2022-23: 18-14, 15-3 SWAC | SWAC Regular Season Champs, NIT First Round
Head Coach: Landon Bussie | 4th Season | 41-43 Overall
Series History: UAB leads 8-0 | Last Meeting: 11/25/20, UAB 99, ALCST 50
The Blazers will face off with Alcorn State on Thursday, November 16 at Bartow Arena. The Braves are entering their fourth season under head coach Landon Bussie after earning back-to-back SWAC regular season titles.
Alcorn State returns a pair of players that averaged double-digits in scoring during the 2022-23 season in Byron Joshua and Jeremiah Kendall. The Braves excelled at getting to and converting from the free throw line last season, leading the SWAC in free throws made per game. ASU also crashes the offensive glass at a high rate, averaging over 12 offensive boards per contest.
Much of the Alcorn State roster has turned over since last season. The Braves have added 12 new players to their roster, including six JUCO transfers.
Key Returners: Byron Joshua (11.0 ppg, 4.2 apg), Jeremiah Kendall (11.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg)
Newcomers: Stephen Byard (JUCO), Jalen Hawkins (Norfolk State), Roderick Jones (JUCO), Alex Tsynkevich (JUCO), Jaylon Hicks (HS), Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt (HS), Jeremiah Gambrell (Prairie View), Rodrique Massenat (Austin Peay), Djahi Binet (JUCO), Trevon Stoutermire (JUCO), Lataevyon Taylor (HS), Del'Jayvien Harried (JUCO)
Final Rankings: ESPN BPI: 274, KenPom: 247, NET: 245
MIDDLE TENNESSEE
November 21, 2023 | Murfreesboro, Tenn. | Murphy Center
2022-23: 19-14, 11-9 C-USA
Head Coach: Nick McDevitt | 6th Season | 167–153 Overall, 69-87 at MTSU
Series History: UAB leads 18-10 | Last Meeting: 2/11/23, UAB 92, MTSU 69
UAB will match up with a familiar foe when the Blazers travel to Murfreesboro to face Middle Tennessee. The two programs have met 22 times over the last 10 seasons. The Blazers have won eight of the last nine meetings between the two programs.
The Blue Raiders lost a few major contributors from last year's roster in Eli Lawrence (transfer), DeAndre Dishman (graduated) and Teafale Lenard (transfer/pro). Camryn Weston represents a key returner for MTSU. The rising senior guard averaged 10.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game last season. Weston was the team's second leading scorer a year ago and will play a large role in the upcoming season. Elias King will also play a much larger role after the 6-8 guard averaged 9.3 points per contest last season. King finished in double figures 10 times during conference play.
Justin Bufford and Jestin Porter are two other players that will likely see their roles increase this year. The junior guards each averaged just under six points per contest last year and each spent time in the starting five.
The Blue Raiders were among the top teams in the country in blocks last year and they were known to force their opponents into turnovers with high pressure defense. MTSU forced turnovers at a 21.8 percent clip according to KenPom, which ranked 24th in the nation.
Key Returners: Camryn Weston (10.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.8 apg), Elias King (9.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Jestin Porter (5.9 ppg, 1.4 rpg), Justin Bufford (5.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg)
Newcomers: Ty Mosley (MVSU), Torey Alston (HS), O'zhell Jackson (JUCO), Chris Loofe (HS), Jacob Johnson (LIU), Josh Ogundele (Iowa)
Final Rankings: ESPN BPI: 134, KenPom: 116, NET: 109
FURMAN
November 25, 2023 | Birmingham, Ala. | Bartow Arena
2022-23: 28-8, 14-2 SoCon | SoCon Reg. Season & Tournament Champs, NCAA Second Round
Head Coach: Bob Richey | 7th Season | 139–55 Overall
Series History: Furman leads 1-0 | Last Meeting: 11/14/16, FUR 84, UAB 74
The Blazers will host another marquee game at Bartow Arena when mid-major power Furman comes to Birmingham. The Paladins are coming off an appearance in the second round of the NCAA Tournament after an upset win over Virginia in the first round. During Bob Richey's tenure, Furman has never finished lower than third in the SoCon standings and the Paladins have won at least 20 games in five of his six seasons, excluding only the 2020-21 season where they played only 25 games.
While Furman lost two major contributors in Jalen Slawson and Mike Bothwell, the Paladins again have an experienced and talented roster led by JP Pegues, Marcus Foster and Garrett Hein, who each were regular starters for last year's team. The Paladins return seven players that scored in double figures at least one time last season.
The Paladins are known to be one of the most efficient offenses in the nation. According to ShotQuality, Furman had the fifth-highest Rim & 3 percentage in the country at 89%. Rim & 3 percentage measures the rate at which each team gets a shot at the rim (drive to the basket or layup) or a three point attempt according to ShotQuality.
Key Returners: JP Pegues (11.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.9 apg), Marcus Foster (10.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg), Garrett Hein (7.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Alex Williams (6.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg)
Newcomers: Eddrin Bronson (HS), Tommy Humphries (HS), Cooper Bowser (HS), Cason Collins (HS), PJay Smith Jr. (Lee University)
Final Rankings: ESPN BPI: 92, KenPom: 92, NET: 88
MCNEESE STATE
November 28, 2023 | Birmingham, Ala. | Bartow Arena
2022-23: 11-23, 6-12 SLC
Head Coach: Will Wade | 1st Season | 196–96 Overall, 0-0 at McNeese
Series History: First Meeting | Last Meeting: N/A
While the Cowboys finished near the bottom of the Southland Conference last season, there is reason to expect McNeese State to be much improved under new head coach Will Wade. Wade is returning to the sidelines for the first time since 2021-22, his final season at LSU. He led the Tigers to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including one Sweet 16.
While this year's McNeese State roster will look very different, there will be a few familiar faces. The Cowboys return two of their top three scorers from last season. Christian Shumate led the Cowboys in both scoring and rebounding last year while Trae English added 10.8 ppg and 3.6 apg.
Wade brought in 10 new players for his first season in Lake Charles. Among the incoming players are Shahada Wells, CJ Felder and Mike Saunders who each have power conference experience.
Key Returners: Christian Shumate (15.1 ppg, 9.7 rpg), Trae English (10.8 ppg, 3.6 apg)
Newcomers: T'Johnn Brown (HS), Antavion Collum (CSU-Bakersfield), CJ Felder (Florida), Javohn Garcia (JUCO), Zach Harvey (UCSB), Cam Jones (SCSU), Nasir Mann (JUCO), DJ Richards (UTSA), Mike Saunders (Utah), Shahada Wells (TCU)
Final Rankings: ESPN BPI: 340, KenPom: 335, NET: 340
SOUTHERN MISS
December 1, 2023 | Birmingham, Ala. | Bartow Arena
2022-23: 25-8, 14-4 SBC | Sun Belt Regular Season Champs, NIT First Round
Head Coach: Jay Ladner | 5th Season | 125–161 DI Overall, 49–73 at Southern Miss
Series History: UAB leads 32-17 | Last Meeting: 3/14/23, UAB 88, USM 60
Southern Miss experienced a high level off success during their first season in the Sun Belt Conference. While Felipe Haase and DeAndre Pinckney have both exhausted their experience, leading scorer Austin Crowley is back for his final collegiate season after earning First Team All-Sun Belt honors last year.
The Golden Eagles played a high level of defense last season, holding opponents to just 66.1 points per game while forcing nearly 15 turnovers per contest. KenPom ranked the USM defense No. 33 in steal percentage last season at 11.7 percent.
USM brought in a lot of talent this offseason, headlined by former Illinois and St. John's guard Andre Curbelo. Curbelo averaged 9.6 points per game last season for the Red Storm. The Golden Eagles also brought in talented big man Victor Iwuakor from UNLV, a former top-100 recruit. Among the other incomers are JUCO big men Tegra Izay and Lieb Yat, JUCO forward Bryson Hall, and Francis Marion transfer Jose Benitez.
This will be the 50th meeting between UAB and Southern Miss. USM is the fourth school that the Blazers have played at least 50 times, joining South Florida (60), Charlotte (53) and Memphis (50).
Key Returners: Austin Crowley (16.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Donovan Ivory (5.5 ppg, 1.9 rpg), Mo Arnold (4.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.9 apg)
Newcomers: Andre Curbelo (Illinois/St. John's), Victor Iwuakor (Oklahoma/UNLV), Tegra Izay (JUCO), Lieb Yat (JUCO), Bryson Hall (JUCO), Jose Benitez (Francis Marion)
Final Rankings: ESPN BPI: 118, KenPom: 99, NET: 90
2023-24 SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2023-24 UAB men's basketball season are available starting as low as $110. Season ticket packages will feature all home games during UAB's inaugural season in the American Athletic Conference and provide the most cost-effective way to attend games at Bartow Arena. Fans may renew season tickets, purchase new season tickets, or request more information on season ticket options here. For more information about season ticket pricing, call the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1.
POWER UP
UAB Athletics is excited to officially compete in the American Athletic Conference and needs Blazer Nation to Power Up by becoming a 2023 Blazer Boosters member. Join Blazer Boosters today as UAB student-athletes compete for championships, graduate with honors, and make a difference in our community.
FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
For more information on the UAB men's basketball team, follow @UAB_MBB on Twitter and Instagram.
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