(as published on the Lakeholm Viewer, the student news source at Mount Vernon Nazarene University)
MVNU Homecoming always serves as a time where alumni get to see new changes around Mount Vernon Nazarene University. In a year like 2023, there may be adjustments than in the past, but the changes to the men’s basketball team may be the most surprising of them all. Last week, head coach Jared Ronai began his 10th season at the helm by introducing nine new additions to a roster that includes six returners, five freshmen, three transfers and one call-up from the reserve team.
Senior Kade Ruegsegger returns as a key piece for MVNU, entering the season as a member of the Preseason All-Crossroads League First Team. Sophomore Trent Koning also returns to the floor after a strong freshman season, along with seniors Carter Pline and Jeaustin Solis and juniors Milton Gage and Carter Jones.
The Cougars looked to the transfer portal more than ever this summer, bringing in top talent that will immediately be relied upon for production. Beau Ludwick, a graduate transfer from Holy Cross College, brings efficient scoring and strong defending to the table as a starter this season. MVNU also brings a capable scorer in senior Jack Kahoun from Trinity International off the bench. And Bailey Conrad, a 6’7 forward from the Citadel, was recruited by Coach Ronai out of high school, but only now finds himself with MVNU as a senior.
“He was the very last kid I saw before COVID hit,” Coach Ronai said about Conrad. “He walked on at Western Kentucky for two years, then transferred and was a scholarship player at the Citadel.”
Coach Ronai also welcomes freshmen Bede Lori and Antwuan Hathcock (who will redshirt and keep an extra year of eligibility), Grant Burkholder, Devin Dreier and Drew Koning, brother of Trent. The Cougars also called up junior Caleb Schall from the reserve squad to close out the roster.
Another change for the team will be their playstyle. “It’s going to be a lot different this year,” Coach Ronai shared. “I think you are going to see it from the first tip. The way we’re playing is going to require more guys to play.” Pushing the tempo offensively and defensively is not new to Coach Ronai. In fact, his first two teams at MVNU boded a similar style, and Brett Vipperman, one of his players on those teams, is in his 4th season as assistant coach and has served as a big help in teaching the new system.
The team took their preseason preparation onto the court on Saturday, November 4th in their first game of the season, defeating Kenyon College 95-90. Now, the Cougars prepare for their Homecoming matchups against Harris Stowe on November 10th at 7:30pm and Washington Adventist on November 11th at 6:00pm.
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