EVANSVILLE — David Ragland had a number of targets when assembling his non-conference schedule. Above all, to get his group prepared for the Missouri Valley Convention.
The College of Evansville males’s basketball program introduced its non-conference schedule for the 2024-25 season on Tuesday. It consists of video games in opposition to 5 groups that completed within the high 150 of final yr’s KenPom rankings. The highlights embody a go to to Ohio State and a house sport in opposition to Western Kentucky.
Extra: Evansville basketball: Who left and joined the Aces for the 2024-25 season
The Aces purposely looked for extra regional opponents this yr together with a number of four-year offers. There are six non-conference residence video games and one multi-team occasion. And earlier than you ask, a sport with crosstown Southern Indiana is just not on the schedule.
“This would be the hardest non-conference schedule we have had in a extremely very long time as a program,” stated Ragland. “It is going to be very aggressive however get us prepared for convention play. Our group can be undoubtedly battle-tested.”
Evansville went 17-18 final yr underneath Ragland in his second season, a 12-win enchancment, and received a sport within the Missouri Valley Event. Evansville completed No. 208 within the ultimate KenPom, one other notable year-to-year soar.
Here’s a breakdown of the schedule together with ideas from Ragland on choose opponents.
Tiffin
Date: Oct. 26 Location: Ford Middle Document: 18-12 KenPom: N/A
The primary take a look at the Aces can be an exhibition in opposition to DII Dragons. Tiffin coach Desmond Balentine is the brother of UE assistant coach D.J. Balentine.
North Texas
Date: Nov. 18 Location: Denton, Texas Document: 19-15 KenPom: 74
The Imply Inexperienced superior to the second spherical of the NIT however now function a largely retooled roster following eight transfers. Among the many newcomers is former Drake guard Atin Wright. It is going to be the second assembly in class historical past.
Ragland: “I believe Ross Hodge at North Texas is a top quality coach who’s completed an outstanding job. It is an ideal alternative for our gamers.”
Brescia
Date: Nov. 9 Location: Ford Middle Document: 8-15 KenPom: N/A
The Aces’ residence opener comes in opposition to the NAIA Bearcats.
Center Tennessee State
Date: Nov. 13 Location: Murfreesboro, Tenn. Document: 14-19 KenPom: 282
The Blue Raiders return 4 of their high seven scorers after dropping within the Convention USA semifinals final March. Final performed the Aces in 2016 however will start a multi-year collection.
Ragland: “That is a basketball sport that folks will perceive how essential that’s for either side. What’s gained from these video games is extra essential than the result, whether or not you win or lose. Having that perception that we are able to make the enhancements to return again even away from residence permits our group to have the fitting mindset and resolve.”
Radford
Date: Nov. 16 Location: Ford Middle Document: 16-17 KenPom: 227
The Highlanders are one other with a revamped roster following commencement or transfers. The one participant again from their high six is TJ Nesmith, who solely appeared in seven video games due to damage. First assembly since 1996.
Ohio State
Date: Nov. 19 Location: Columbus, Ohio Document: 22-14 KenPom: 49
Arguably the Aces’ most noteworthy opponent. The Buckeyes superior to the NIT quarterfinals underneath then-interim coach Jake Diebler, who was made the top coach in Might. Ohio State returns high scorer Bruce Thornton (15.7 factors) and amongst its incoming transfers are Aaron Bradshaw (Kentucky) and Sean Stewart (Duke). First assembly since 1976.
Ragland: “We needed to remain regional and play in opposition to an opponent that can be a tricky atmosphere. Ohio State was one of many first able to get it completed. And to get residence video games with it was essential.”
Inexperienced Bay
Date: Nov. 22 Location: Ford Middle Document: 18-14 KenPom: 230
The Phoenix are coached by discuss radio host Doug Gottlieb. This sport is a part of the MTE with Ohio State. First assembly since 2019.
Campbell
Date: Nov. 24 Location: Ford Middle Document: 14-18 KenPom: 311
The Combating Camels misplaced their high two scorers to transfers. This sport is a part of the MTE with Ohio State. First assembly since 2022.
Western Kentucky
Date: Dec. 7 Location: Ford Middle Document: 22-12 KenPom: 135
The beginning of a multi-year collection after preliminary talks of an MTE involving each in Owensboro. The Hilltoppers superior to the NCAA Event final March. New coach Hank Plona does have three of the highest 5 scorers again, together with Don McHenry (15.1 factors) and Reitz graduate Khristian Lander (9.0 factors). The roster additionally consists of Purdue switch Brandon Newman. First assembly since 2009.
Ragland: “I believe it really works higher for each of us to host that sport. They’ll journey nicely. The momentum we’ve got constructed the previous two years, our numbers are rising. The Ford Middle must be rocking. We known as lots of people this offseason to attempt to schedule home-and-homes. We tried to get purchased by a great quantity of regional groups. There weren’t lots of people biting. I credit score Hank Plona and his administration for making this sport occur. Our fan bases do deserve it.”
Chattanooga
Date: Dec. 12 Location: Ford Middle Document: 21-12 KenPom: 140
A second straight assembly in opposition to the Mocs following final season’s 20-point comeback victory. Chattanooga returns its high two scorers in Honor Huff (17.4 factors) and Trey Bonham (16.0 factors).
Ragland: “That sport final yr at their place was one for the historical past books. I am positive they’re going to be able to go. That coach does an ideal job. They play a enjoyable fashion and shoot a bunch of threes. I like watching them on movie. It is going to be good for our fan base.”
UT Arlington
Date: Dec. 18 Location: Arlington, Texas Document: 20-14 KenPom: 112
The Mavericks superior to the WAC championship final March. First assembly since 1983.
Ball State
Date: Dec. 21 Location: Munice. Document: 15-16 KenPom: 266
This would be the third straight season these two Indiana applications meet. Evansville received the assembly final November, 74-50, at residence. Among the many Cardinals’ incoming transfers are former Linton standout Joey Hart (Kentucky) and USI guard Jeremiah Hernandez. Ball State is coached by former Jasper star Michael Lewis.
This text initially appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Evansville basketball proclaims 2024-25 non-conference schedule
