Basketball seasons set to start on Monday
Troy men’s basketball is less than a week away from tipping off at Trojan Arena, with the Trojans returning the core of a talented 2023-24 squad.
Led by head coach Scott Cross, the Trojans are coming off of their third consecutive season of 20 wins or more. The team fell short in the Sun Belt Tournament Quarterfinals last year after a third-place regular season finish.
Troy comes into the season projected to finish third in the conference once again. The team is returning all of its non-graduating players from the 2023-24 season. Christyon Eugene and Aamer Muhammad are the only two who will not be on the roster this year.
The team has high expectations for themselves, and with the depth of their roster, there’s a confidence in the team’s ability to reach further.
“Last year everyone was wondering if we’d be able to repeat [a 20-win season],” Cross said, “Now they know they can do it, and I think we can take it to the next level.”
The high expectations within the team start with last year’s Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year Myles Rigsby. Rigsby was second in scoring last season for the team with 11.6 points per game and shot 44%from the floor. He is listed on the preseason All-Sun Belt first team.
Other notable returners for the team include Jackson Fields, Thomas Dowd and Tayton Conerway. Those three had notable starting time last season, and now look to be the leaders of this year’s team. Conerway was named to the All-Sun Belt preseason second team after winning Sixth Man of the Year last season.
This roster introduces five new freshmen. Forward Cooper Campbell has stood out in practice this summer and could see some notable playing time. Kerrington Kiel will get playing time this year too after redshirting last year.
“He’s a year older, stronger, and smarter, and he’s a better basketball player for it,” said Cross on Kiel. “He’s a guy that does all the little things right.”
Austin Cross, the son of Coach Scott Cross, joins the roster as well. He is expected to be redshirted but will be able to accompany his father over the season.
The Trojans have not been shy in their non-conference scheduling this season. Troy opens up the season with the MAC regular season champion in Toledo for the first of two matches in the Sun Belt/MAC Challenge.
Following a big home opener, Troy will have road trips against preseason No. 16 Arkansas, led by former Kentucky coach John Calipari, followed by a face off with Oregon and later in December another major test with fourth-ranked Houston.
Coach Cross has brought his “Take The Stairs” motto to Troy over the last five years. A saying that inspires the team to put in the extra effort when it matters to accomplish goals and be more effective athletes, students and leaders.
The Trojans will begin their journey up those stairs towards a conference title and beyond when they play host to Toledo on Monday. Tip off will be at 6 p.m. on ESPN+ at Trojan Arena.
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