PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men's basketball team begins a new campaign on Monday (November 7), hitting the road to take on Old Dominion University to open the season.
 
The Hawks look to build on their 11-16 record from a year ago, a season that cemented the squad as one of the top defenses in the MEAC. Not only does the squad bring eight players and four starters back from that team, they also made key additions to bolster the roster.
 
Graduate transfer Ahamadou Fofana steps into the fold to run the point, allowing senior guard Da'Shawn Phillip to shift off ball and into a more natural role. Junior college transfer Troy Hupstead and freshman Victory Naboya join the group as 6'7" and 6'8" bigs, respectively, alongside returning forwards Nathaniel Pollard, Jr. and Kohen Thompson.
 
The backcourt remains similar to last season, with Donchevell "Tuka" Nugent, Chace Davis, Zion Styles and Kevon Voyles all returning to the team after playing significant roles last season. Glen "Jojo" Anderson aids as well after making his return during conference play last season, with freshmen guards Dionte Johnson and Toby Nnadozie coming in to add depth.
 
Meeting the Monarchs
 
There's a lot of new to go around for the Monarchs.
 
After a 13-19 campaign a year ago, Old Dominion parted ways with their top four scorers from the 2021-22 season in guards C.J. Keyser and Jaylin Hunter and forwards Austin Trice and Kalu Ezikpe. The program welcomes seven new players and two new assistants this year.
 
"They're a brand new team," Crafton said. "They've got six really good transfers, they're physical and they have great size."
 
Of the seven new faces, two are freshmen, while four were nabbed from the transfer portal and two took the junior college route.
 
In addition to new faces on the roster, the Monarchs will see almost all new opponents in conference play.
 
The school announced its return to the Sun Belt Conference on July 1, 2022 after competing as a member of Conference USA since 2013. Old Dominion was a member of the SBC from 1982-1991, securing five postseason appearances and two NCAA tournament bids in that span.
 
Spearheading the group of seven returners is junior guard Mekhi Long. Ranking third in minutes-per (32.8), Long averaged 8.3 points and just under seven boards per contest while ripping a team-high 52 steals on the year.
 
The Monarchs bring some size to the table as well, with seven players on the roster standing taller than 6'5".
 
"The biggest thing that stands out is the physicality by which they hit the offensive glass," Crafton said. "The major emphasis for us is rebounding. If we don't aggressively block out and keep them off the boards, then we're going to be in trouble."
 
Last Time We Met
 
It's been nearly four years since these teams last faced. The last matchup came on December 22, 2019, a 76-52 victory for the Monarchs.
 
UMES holds just two players from that 2019 roster in guards Phillip and Anderson. Both started in that 2019 game and both scored five points in the loss, with Phillip blocking six Monarch shot attempts.
 
Former Hawk Ty Gibson scored a team-high 15 points and was the lone Hawk in double-digits in the scoring column.
 
For the Monarchs, former standout Aaron Carver had a day against UMES. He tallied team-highs in points (16) and rebounds (16) in 28 minutes to lead Old Dominion to the win.
 
Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. from Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
 
Follow the action on Twitter via @ESHawksHoops.