EVANSVILLE — Consider it the nature of the current college basketball landscape. The Evansville men's basketball team will have a different look this winter.
The Aces began year three of the David Ragland era in June with official team workouts. The program aims to build upon positive momentum from last season with a 17-18 mark and a victory in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament , the former a 12-win improvement.
There remain questions. The top five scorers and another starter either graduated or transferred. That's a considerable chunk of points, rebounds and frankly experience required to win at the mid-major level. It does provide available minutes for the reinforcements Ragland and his staff procured during the offseason.
Roster reset: Here's who left, joined the USI men's basketball team this offseason
Step one, integrate six new players with those who returned. Step two, identify the roster's strengths.
"It’s kind of an odd situation," Ragland said. "We’re re-teaching stuff to a big part of the group, but it’s new to the other group. It’s trying to make sure I have the proper patience for the entire group. There are things we need to sharpen and improve. Embracing ugly at times and imperfection is all part of the process. I love the group."
Here are Evansville's departures from last season
- Chuck Bailey III, transferred to Nevada (8.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg)
- Gage Bobe, graduated (4.1 ppg)
- Sekou Kalle, transferred to Eastern Illinois (1.8 ppg)
- Ben Humrichous, transferred to Illinois (14.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 41% from three)
- Kenny Strawbridge Jr., graduated (9.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.5 apg)
- Antonio Thomas, graduated (7.5 ppg)
- Yacine Toumi, transferred to Seton Hall (10.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg)
Who are the newcomers?
- Ramondo Battle II, 6-foot-8 junior forward from Walters State
- Kaia Berridge, 6-foot-4 freshman guard from Archbishop Riordan (Calif.)
- Tayshawn Comer, 6-fot-1 junior guard from Eastern Kentucky (7.8 ppg, 3.0 apg, 2.5 rpg)
- Trent Hundley, 6-foot-6 junior forward from Rio Grande (16.6 ppg)
- Gabriel Pozzato, 6-foot-8 freshman forward from NBA Academy in Australia (8.6 ppg)
- Connor Turnbull, 6-foot-10 junior forward from Butler (4.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg in nine games)
The six new players each bring a piece to the puzzle. Comer, an Indiana All-Star at Cathedral , and Battle offer quickness and athleticism. Hundley was a proven scorer at the NAIA level. Turnbull was a 4-star recruit who found success off the bench as a freshman at Butler before an injury limited his opportunities. Berridge (New Zealand — U17 World Cup) and Pozzato (Italy — FIBA U18 European Championship) both have experience with their respective international teams.
"Building that chemistry is big," said Comer. "I've been a part of a lot of winning programs. This program can become a winning program this year. You can feel the intensity and energy. From the point to the bench to the staff, everybody is a part of this success and what we're trying to build."
The goal for the Aces right now: find their chemistry, and quickly
The good news for Evansville? There are five months until the season starts.
The roster is far from devoid of experience within Ragland's system. Evansville returns 10, including four walk-ons, from last season. Senior guard Tanner Cuff (7.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists), sophomore forward Joshua Hugues (6.6 points, 3.9 rebounds) and junior guard Cam Haffner (4.7 points) are the only returnees who played more than nine games.
The first month, especially once most of the roster moved in the first week, was a net positive in Ragland's mind. The Aces understand you must start from somewhere.
"We had a really close group last year, and it's great to see that come back," said Hughes. "We return a great core. With these new guys, we've been able to bond really quickly. Those team camps were great for us."
Evansville still don't have a full deck quite yet. Gui Tesch and Turnbull have been limited with injuries. Pozzato was also not on campus as of last week because of his international commitment.
"They do fit the mold as far as our culture," said Ragland. "The guys know what to do every day. There's no resistance to coaching or instruction or weight room. It's fun being around quality people. Then, our style of play. Guys who can dribble, pass and shoot with size and switchability. I'm interested to see how they continue to evolve."
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Evansville basketball: Who left and joined the Aces for the 2024-25 season
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