U.S.I. Men’s and Women’s basketball gearing up for new season

It's almost that time of year when football and basketball combine to bring us some of the most exciting months in sports. For U.S.I., their first game is fast approaching and both the men's and women's teams have high hopes for the upcoming season. However, they are implementing different rosters to achieve their goals.

Starting with the men's team, U.S.I. is coming off a 7-23 season, posting only 4 wins in the Ohio Valley Conference. Despite this, the team is not giving up, with 12 new players and only 3 returners on the roster. Head Coach Stan Gouard is familiar with the turnover, having faced it last season as well. This year's roster boasts an international flair, with 7 players originating from Ukraine, Japan, or other countries.

Gouard's connections brought these players aboard, and he is pleased with the team's length, scoring ability, and rebounding, which the international players contribute.

The men have two closed-door scrimmages planned in the next two weeks, facing Lipscomb and Lincoln-Memorial respectively. The season opener is set for November 2nd at Belmont.

On the women's side, the team is gearing up after a third consecutive season of winning 20 or more games. They went 21-11 overall, 14-6 in the O.V.C., and lost in the first round of the N.I.T. This season, the women are almost the opposite of last year's squad, as they are bringing back 11 players. Head Coach Rick Stein sees this as a fantastic opportunity to build upon the success of previous years and develop the players into better athletes in all aspects.

Stein's team is a rarity in the current landscape, as most coaches leave every year. Bringing back talented players and helping them grow is a blessing that many coaches at this level only dream of.

The women also have two scrimmages scheduled, with their first regular season game against Murray State in Liberty Arena on November 2nd.