Waynesburg University men’s basketball team looks to start right where they left off last season. The Jackets went 14-12 on the season, finishing fourth in the Presidents’ Athletics Conference while going 11-9 in conference play. The Jackets lost at home in the first round of the PAC playoffs to Grove City 65-58.

However, the Jackets look to have high aspirations coming into this season. PAC Defensive Player of the Year, Antone Baker, and Senior Center, Jaylen Davis are key players coming back. They also have many returners who have played valuable minutes such as PJ Suggs, Korey Mitchum and Scott Bilovus.

Baker averaged 17 points per game and was able to grab eight rebounds per game. Baker also averaged almost two blocks and steals each per game. His performance earned him the aforementioned PAC Defensive Player of the Year.

Davis nearly averaged 10 points and was also able to grab eight rebounds per game. 

The Jackets added seven transfers in the offseason while losing two players due to the transfer portal. Included in this was point guard, Jordan McLoyd. McLoyd, who averaged 11 points per game, ranked second on the team in scoring.

McLoyd transferred back to his former school, Randolph College in Lynchburg, Virginia. Despite transferring, McLoyd had a lot of positive things to say about his time on campus.

“Attending Waynesburg was a transformative chapter of my life, marked by academic growth, personal development and a successful turnaround for the basketball program,” McLoyd said. “The basketball experience at WU was nothing short of remarkable. The sport itself played a pivotal part in my journey.” 

Former teammate of McLoyd, Korey Mitchum, expressed his feelings towards his former teammate.

“Jordan is my brother. Even to this day we talk every day. Jordan is a special dude on and off the court. When he decided to transfer, I felt like I lost my brother. But I feel as if God has a plan for all of us,” Mitchum said. “He helped build what we have created this year and I’ll be thankful to him for the rest of my life for bringing the love of the game back to me. That’s my brother and he knows he’s a Jacket at heart. I hope to see him in the tournament in March. “ 

Mitchum, a senior guard averaged four points per game and was able to get a steal per game as well. Mitchum had his Jacket career high of 16 points versus Fransiscan, where he shot six for nine from the field.

Mitchum voiced his excitement for his role this upcoming season.

“To be honest, everything on the court will take care of itself. I’m more excited to lead a group of talented young guys to a PAC Championship. As a veteran, I’m just looking forward to watching these young guys thrive,” Mitchum said. “I have worked hard to become a better player this year, but so have all the returners. But all I want to be is a great leader.”

Mitchum’s optimism did not stop there.

“We are big and we are deep in depth. We have guys who have fully brought in as well as transferred in that have come in and know how special this year can be,” Mitchum said. “We have great people and an even better Head Coach who has put together the best team I’ve ever been a part of. The PAC should know that it’s roll bees and get used to seeing us for years to come.”

Mitchum did much of the dirty work for the Jackets, often diving for loose balls. 

Suggs, another returner to the roster, averaged five points per game. However, Suggs missed some time due to injury, now looking forward to coming back in 2024.

“I’m really excited to start seeing a little bit more time this year. After I got injured, it was killing me every night watching my teammates and not being able to help contribute,” Suggs said. “Especially during the playoff game at home when we struggled as a unit and fell short to Grove City. I’m just excited to give everything I can to help my brothers win a championship this year.”

Suggs had his Jacket career high in points vs Bethany with 16, and was able to show what he is capable offensively.

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Tim Fusina, who serves as the head coach and athletic director of Waynesburg University spoke on picking things back up for his team. 

“The team is on its own for now as I cannot watch or hold practice. However, strength and conditioning will begin this Thursday,” Tim Fusina said. 

Suggs spoke on his optimism regarding the recent open gyms.

“The open gyms have been great. They’ve been extremely competitive and fun. We have a lot of new guys with size and athleticism. Some new guys that have stood out are Duvall Price,” Suggs said. “He’s a 6’7 forward that can shoot the three. We have Jalen Goins who can score at any time along with Jackson Rhodes and Casey Keese, who is a point guard that can score at will.”

Nov. 9, holds a day of new beginnings for the 2024 Waynesburg University Men’s Basketball Team.