East Tennessee State Opens Season Against Converse Tonight at 7 PM
URGENT UPDATE: East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is set to kick off its men’s basketball season against Converse College tonight at 7 p.m. at Freedom Hall Civic Center. This matchup marks a fourth consecutive season where the Bucs face an NCAA Division II opponent, emphasizing their commitment to building a competitive edge.
The Bucs, who finished last season at 19-13, are heavily favored against the Valkyries, who are ranked 10th out of 16 teams in the Conference Carolinas preseason coaches’ poll. Under the leadership of head coach Brooks Savage, now in his third season, the team is undergoing significant changes after losing key players, including Southern Conference Player of the Year Quimari Peterson, who transferred to Washington.
ETSU returns just three players from last season: point guard Allen Strothers, shooting guard Maki Johnson, and guard/forward Gabe Sisk. The Bucs are looking to fill the void left by Peterson, and new players like point guard Jaylen Smith and forward Blake Barkley are stepping up. In a recent exhibition game against Wake Forest, Smith, a 5-foot-11 junior transfer from North Florida, delivered a standout performance, scoring 21 points with six 3-pointers. Barkley, a 6-8 sophomore from Northwestern, added 15 points and seven rebounds, showcasing their potential to lead the team.
Smith noted the benefits of competing against an ACC team, stating that the ETSU coaching staff provided invaluable insights into his defensive play. Graduate transfer Cam Morris III, standing at 6-8, contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds in the exhibition, while the Bucs played without another key post player, Jordan McCullum, who was not at full strength.
As the team prepares for tonight’s game, Barkley expressed optimism about their collective progress, saying, “We don’t have any outliers of anybody trying to be something they’re not. We’re just all in it together.” This team chemistry will be crucial as they face the Valkyries.
On the other hand, Converse College is also entering a new era with a complete roster turnover. Head coach Kyle Perry, who took the helm in July after a six-year stint at Limestone, brings a fresh approach. Notable players include senior guard Sirr Hughes, who averaged 20 points per game last season, and Tre Locklear, a 5-9 sophomore guard. Hughes is expected to be a scoring threat, while Surratt, a 6-7 senior transfer from Francis Marion, could also make a significant impact.
The Valkyries’ roster features young talent from local Spartanburg to international players from Germany and Greece, creating a diverse team dynamic that will be tested against the experienced Bucs.
As the clock ticks down to game time, fans are eager to see how both teams will perform. Will ETSU rise to the occasion and start their season strong, or will Converse surprise the Bucs in this pivotal matchup? Stay tuned for live updates and highlights from this exciting season opener.
