Entering his first season at the helm of the University of Evansville men’s basketball program, head coach David Ragland looks to turn around his hometown program. With extensive Missouri Valley Conference experience and a great deal of postseason success, the Purple Aces are primed to turn things around.
Upon assuming the position, Ragland organized a coaching staff that includes Craig Snow, Marcus Wilson and George Swanson. Snow and Wilson are former UE players who were on the last team to advance to the NCAA Tournament in 1999. Former Butler standout Roosevelt Jones joined the program as the Director of Operations while Sammy Dowd is the graduate assistant.
Five returners from last season join 10 newcomers to comprise the 2022-23 Purple Aces roster. Highlighting those coming back are Preston Phillips, Antoine Smith Jr. and Blaise Beauchamp. The trio combined to play 82 games a season ago and average 15.1 points per game. Smith had one of UE’s top performances last season, finishing with 24 points against Rice while going 9-for-9 from the field and 3-of-3 from outside. Beauchamp is the top returning scorer, averaging 8.0 points while making 10 starts. His top contest was a 29-point day against Indiana State where he hit six 3-pointers. Phillips played in 28 games and made 15 starts as a freshman. He had 12 rebounds at Missouri State while scoring a high mark of eight points at Indiana State and Drake.
Six freshmen and four transfers look to make an impact. Fifth-year player Marvin Coleman II and senior Kenny Strawbridge Jr. bring a wealth of experience to the team while Sekou Kalle and Yacine Toumi have strong Division I experience.
Looking ahead to the schedule, UE will play a tough non-conference slate that includes just three regular season home games with SEMO, Campbell and Bellarmine making their way to the Ford Center. Road trips include Miami Ohio, Saint Louis, SMU, UCF and Ball State while the team is set to participate in the 2022 Hostilo Hoops Community Classic in Savannah, Ga. Opponents for the MTE include South Alabama, Robert Morris and Fairfield.