The wait is finally over. College basketball is back, and in Johnson City, the expectations surrounding ETSU men's basketball are as high as they've been in quite some time.
After finishing the 2025–26 season with a 23–11 record, winning the Southern Conference regular-season championship, and advancing to the SoCon Tournament championship game, the Buccaneers enter the new season looking to take that next step.
Head coach Brooks Savage has continued to build a winning culture at ETSU, but this season brings a different challenge. With a significantly different roster, the Buccaneers must replace several key contributors while attempting to defend their regular-season conference championship.
For me, the biggest question isn't whether ETSU has talent. It's how quickly that talent can come together.
A New-Look Buccaneer Team
One thing that has become increasingly common in college basketball is roster turnover, and ETSU certainly isn't immune to that.
The Buccaneers enter the season with 10 additions to the roster, meaning fans will see plenty of unfamiliar faces wearing blue and gold.
However, that doesn't necessarily mean ETSU is taking a step backward.
Senior guard Maki Johnson returns as one of the team's most experienced players within the program. Johnson understands what Savage expects and has experienced the highs and lows of competing in the Southern Conference.
Forward Brayden Crump also returns, providing additional familiarity with the program.
Maddox Huff is another returning player who could become an interesting piece after redshirting last season.
Unfortunately, ETSU suffered a significant setback when Jordan McCullum sustained a season-ending knee injury during preseason practice.
McCullum was expected to be an important part of the Buccaneers' frontcourt after averaging 8.3 points and 3.7 rebounds last season. His absence creates another opportunity for the newcomers to step forward.
The Newcomers
One of the biggest additions is senior guard BJ Ward, who arrives from Southeast Missouri State.
Ward averaged 10.9 points and 3.7 assists last season and has already earned Preseason All-SoCon recognition.
I believe Ward has the potential to become one of the most important players on this roster. ETSU needs someone who can control the offense, create opportunities for teammates, and provide leadership when games become difficult.
Another player I'm interested in watching is Jayden Cooper, a transfer from South Alabama. Cooper brings another offensive option to the Buccaneers' backcourt.
Trevor Hennig joins the program from Weber State, while Tyran Mason arrives from UT Arlington after averaging 6.5 points and 3.6 rebounds last season.
The frontcourt also features several interesting additions.
Marqus Marion comes to Johnson City from Wake Forest, bringing experience against ACC competition and a 6-foot-9 frame.
Kendall Campbell joins ETSU from Wingate, while DeCarl Payne arrives from John A. Logan College.
The Buccaneers also welcome freshmen Colt Busse, Ben Maller, and Elton Smith.
With so many new players, I expect there will be an adjustment period. That's natural for a team undergoing this much change.
However, I also believe the depth and versatility of this roster could become one of ETSU's biggest strengths as the season progresses.
Brooks Savage and the Expectations
I've been impressed with the direction of ETSU basketball under Brooks Savage.
In three seasons, Savage has guided the Buccaneers to two Southern Conference Tournament championship appearances, and last season's regular-season championship demonstrated how far the program has progressed.
But winning a championship also changes expectations.
ETSU is no longer simply trying to establish itself as a contender. The Buccaneers are now trying to remain near the top of the conference.
That's a completely different challenge.
Savage must find the right combinations, establish a dependable rotation, and get his players comfortable playing together.
I believe the most important thing will be finding consistency, especially defensively.
Offense can come and go throughout a season, but a team that rebounds, communicates, and defends consistently will always give itself an opportunity to win.
A Challenging Schedule
ETSU isn't easing into the season.
The Buccaneers open their regular-season schedule on November 2 against Arizona State before traveling to face NC State on November 6.
Those are two challenging road environments, especially for a team with so many new faces.
However, I actually like these matchups for ETSU.
Even if the Buccaneers struggle early, games against major-conference opponents can reveal weaknesses that might not become apparent against less challenging competition.
The home opener against Campbell is scheduled for November 11, followed by another interesting road matchup against Marshall on November 17.
ETSU will also face Longwood, Charleston Southern, Morehead State, Jacksonville State, Presbyterian, and Northern Kentucky during nonconference play.
One thing I'm particularly excited about is the number of opportunities fans will have to watch this team at Freedom Hall.
ETSU scheduled 18 home appearances, giving Buccaneer fans plenty of chances to support the program.
And if ETSU can continue making Freedom Hall a difficult place for visiting teams, that home-court advantage could become extremely important once conference play begins.
The Southern Conference Race
The Southern Conference isn't going to be easy.
ETSU was picked to finish second in the preseason coaches poll, behind Furman.
That shouldn't surprise anyone.
Furman defeated ETSU in last season's conference tournament championship game, and the Paladins enter this season as the preseason favorites.
For ETSU, those games against Furman will carry additional significance.
The Buccaneers host the Paladins on December 22 before traveling to Greenville on January 30.
But the conference race involves more than just ETSU and Furman.
Chattanooga, Samford, Wofford, Mercer, and the rest of the league will present their own challenges throughout the season.
With the Southern Conference expanding to 11 basketball members, the schedule will also look a little different.
I believe ETSU has the talent to compete for another regular-season championship, but the Buccaneers must avoid overlooking opponents and dropping games they should win.
In a competitive conference, a couple of unexpected losses can completely change the standings.
My Outlook for the Season
Personally, I'm optimistic about this ETSU team.
Do I believe there will be growing pains? Absolutely.
You don't replace this many players and expect everything to come together immediately.
There will probably be nights when the offense struggles, defensive assignments get missed, or the team simply looks like a group still learning how to play together.
But I also believe this roster has plenty of potential.
Ward gives ETSU an experienced presence in the backcourt, Johnson provides continuity, and the additions of players such as Marion, Campbell, Mason, and Cooper give the Buccaneers different options on both ends of the floor.
My biggest concern is how quickly the team develops chemistry, particularly after losing McCullum for the season.
I also want to see how ETSU handles close games.
Last season proved that the Buccaneers could compete for championships. This season is about proving they can sustain that success with a different group of players.
I expect ETSU to be firmly in the Southern Conference championship conversation.
My early prediction is that the Buccaneers finish among the top three teams in the conference, with a legitimate opportunity to repeat as regular-season champions.
But ultimately, the goal has to be bigger than another strong regular season.
It's about winning the Southern Conference Tournament, and earning a trip to the NCAA Tournament.
ETSU has come close under Savage, and I believe the program is getting closer to breaking through.
The pieces are there. The expectations are there. The support from Buccaneer Nation is there.
Now it's time to see whether this new group can put everything together.
The road to March starts now.
Go Bucs!
