Men’s Basketball has first practice and press conference of the season

Tuesday, Sept. 24 was the first official practice and press conference for the Flames 2024 basketball season. Head Coach Ritchie McKay, redshirt senior Kaden Metheny and junior Zach Cleveland all shared their thoughts on the upcoming season.

There are some new faces on the roster 

Six new recruits are joining the team this season; their names are senior Taelon Peter, redshirt senior Josh Smith, redshirt junior Isaiah Ihnen, junior Owen Aquino, redshirt senior Jayvon Maughmer and freshman Will Gibson. Also playing for the first time this season is redshirt freshman Kai Yu.

Many of these new recruits are upperclassmen transfer students. Although they are still early into preseason training, these new recruits are meshing well with the returning players on and off the court.

“I think it hits a little different with me being a newcomer last year,” Metheny said. “I know their perspective. It’s been nice, obviously, me being here for a year and not being the new guy. But just knowing this program and knowing how we run things and what the standard is, being able to just show those new guys what it is and just letting them know that we’re here for a bigger goal, and that’s playing through Christ.”

The veteran players will have to work for their spots

Despite there being some seasoned players on the roster, nothing is guaranteed. There are some projected powerhouses on the roster this season, which will keep the old guys sharp since they have to prove themselves worthy of staying on the court. The players stated that practice has been more competitive than in previous years because older players have to keep up with their new teammates. McKay said that there will be more of a collaborative effort made on the court this season than in previous seasons while the guys work together to each play their part. 

Players are stepping up off the court

In the absence of Kyle Rode, the Flames have some pretty big shoes to fill as far as leadership on the team goes. Cleveland and Metheny said that they have felt the call to step up as leaders on and off the court. They are not only leading new players to feel like they belong on the team, but also growing spiritually as a team. 

“Kyle (Rode) was a big leader on our team last year,” Cleveland said. “(With) him leaving, there’s some leadership roles to fill. I think early on this summer, we came out trying to figure out how to lead because his voice was so evident and loud. But once we figured out that we don’t have to lead in the same way he did, there’s different ways of leading. I think leading by example of your daily habits, disciplines and how you carry yourself on and off the court has been a learning curve. I think we’ve taken up the challenge.”

It is too early to tell who will be starting this season 

Players are making the most out of each practice to showcase their skills as they battle for a starting position this season. McKay said he is not counting anyone out and that everyone will get their opportunity. We will all just have to wait until their home opener Nov. 12 to see who is going to ball out on the court.

White is the asst. sports editor for the Liberty Champion. Follow her on X.