HARRISONBURG, Va. - As the leaves start to fall and the Trick or Treating is wrapped up, it's time for another holiday: the start of basketball season. So we're taking a look ahead to the 2025-26 campaign for our EMU basketball programs, continuing today with our Men's Basketball team.
Head Coach: Melvin Felix - Eighth Season
2024-25 in Review
The Royals got off to a decent start in 24-25, beginning the season 3-2 with a pair of wins over Greensboro College and an OT win over Messiah. They then hit a nine-game skid before rebounding with a 10 point win over Randolph and then picking up an eight-point win over Bridgewater. EMU's offense averaged 64.7 PPG while shooting 41% from the floor. They had two players average in double figures and finished sixth in the ODAC in three-point FGs made, with 8.1/game.
Preseason ODAC Poll: 12th (14 pts.)
ODAC Preview
2025-26 Schedule Highlights
Season Opener: Saturday, Nov. 8 at #15 Mary Washington - 6:00 pm
Home Opener: Wednesday, Nov. 12 vs Mary Baldwin - 7:00 pm
Senior Day: Saturday, Feb. 7 vs Roanoke - 2:00 pm
Rowdy Royals/Home Finale: Wednesday, Feb. 18 vs Shenandoah - 7:00 pm
Final Regular Season Game: Saturday, Feb. 21 at Averett - 2:00 pm
ODAC Quarterfinals: Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 1-4 seed
ODAC Semifinals: Friday, Feb. 27 at Salem Civic Center
ODAC Championship: Saturday, Feb. 28 at Salem Civic Center
Full Schedule
Key Losses: Gabriel Campbell,
Aviwe Mahlong,
Kaleb Torrence
Key Returners: Zach Bailey,
Aaron Brooks,
Isaiah Carr,
Payton Lewis
Outlook: It will be a tall task to replace a four-year starter and leader like Mahlong, but the 2025-26 squad looks up to the task. Brooks returns to guide the Royals offense, as he was the team's leading scorer a year ago, averaging 12.8 PPG. He also led the team in APG with 3.6, which was fifth in the ODAC. They also return Lewis and Carr, who averaged 17.7 PPG combined in 25-26. On the boards, the Royals lost their top two rebounders in Campbell and Mahlong, but will look to Bailey and Carr to provide depth down low. The return of
Jazen Walker to the lineup, along with a year of playing under the belt of
Teko Bostick Jr., will also add to EMU's four and five spots. The Royals brought in a pair of transfers from Lesley University:
Hezekiah Brown and
Jelanie Morgan both saw good playing time for the Lynx last season.
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