Basketball season is upon us. Men’s basketball opens up their season with their home tournament. Waynesburg University faces off against Elmira College Friday at 5 p.m. 

Waynesburg finished last year at 7-18 overall and had a 3-13 conference record. The teams look to turn last year around and be able to make the playoffs in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference. Waynesburg University men’s basketball head coach Tim Fusina brought in 15 freshmen as well as two transfers. 

“A big thing we harp on is defending and knowing where they should be and knowing their job,” Fusina said. 

 Having 15 freshmen gives this team a new look especially with other teams in the PAC like Washington and Jefferson and Bethany. A lot of these teams were familiar with how Waynesburg plays and the strategy they use against certain teams. 

“We want to be quicker on the transition. Get the ball to our bigs and then get it back out for a look at the 3-point shot,” Fusina said. “We want to be quicker and get those 2 on 1 opportunities.” 

Getting the ball to the big guys down in the paint is going to be essential for this Waynesburg team. There are a lot of quick release shooters on the team. Waynesburg University hired a new full time assistant coach in former Waynesburg player Korey Mitchum. 

Coach Fusina believes that Korey can bring a young energy and help a lot of these freshmen. 

“Korey is a younger guy who can connect with these players because he knows how I coach and how I run things with the team,” Fusina said. “Korey can help the younger guys with adapting to both school and basketball.” 

Senior Aiden Blake is the leader for this team. He has a very big role as being the only returning starter from the team last year. 

“Aiden is very vocal, I understand that I am also vocal, but I believe Aiden has been that vocal element of this team and will continue to do so,” Fusina said. 

Waynesburg has gotten a couple of transfers as well. Sophomore Jonah Biggers, a transfer from Thiel, looks to help this Yellow Jackets team and get them back where they need to be. Key freshmen that can help this team as well is, Teegan Finucan and Cameron Suggs. These young guys are going to be able to bring a very high intensity energy and get this team back to where they need to be.  

Waynesburg University faces off against Elmira College to open their season Friday at 5 p.m.