Evansville Aces Poised for Breakout Season with Revamped Roster

The Evansville men's basketball team is gearing up for an exciting 2024-25 season, with a mix of returning talent and promising newcomers. After a 12-win improvement and a victory in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament last year, the Aces find themselves in a curious position, facing both opportunities and challenges as they look to build on their recent success.

Unlocking the Aces' Potential: A Season of Possibilities

Expanding on Last Year's Improvement

The 2023-24 season was a net positive for the Aces, with 17 wins – the most for the program since 2018 – and a long-awaited victory at the Arch Madness tournament. Fans have been eager to see the team's upward momentum continue, and the upcoming year will be crucial in determining whether the Aces can build on their recent success.The landscape of college basketball has shifted, and Year Three for Head Coach David Ragland and his staff will be pivotal. With the top five scorers and another starter either graduating or transferring, the Aces will need to quickly reload and find the right chemistry and playing styles to complement their returning players. Ragland has emphasized the importance of rebuilding team chemistry and identifying the strengths of this new-look roster during the offseason and early practices.

Identifying the New Leaders

While the Aces' roster has undergone significant changes, they are not starting from scratch. Several returning players will be called upon to step up and assume new leadership roles. Tanner Cuff, the team's top returning scorer, will be a critical piece in the lineup, and Ragland has noted increased vocal leadership from both Cuff and sophomore Joshua Hughes. Cam Haffner, a junior guard, is another familiar face who will be expected to contribute both on and off the court.

Welcoming the Newcomers

The Aces' roster overhaul has brought in six new scholarship players, each with the potential to make an immediate impact. Many of these newcomers possess a boost of athleticism or playmaking ability that aligns with Ragland's desired style of play. Tayshawn Comer, an Indiana All-Star from Cathedral, is expected to see significant minutes in the backcourt after a productive stint at Eastern Kentucky. Ramondo Battle II and Gabriel Pozzato are also among the new faces that have impressed the coaching staff during the offseason.Additionally, the Aces have added a talented 6-10 junior in Connor Turnbull, who was a 4-star recruit before an injury hampered his sophomore year at Butler. Turnbull's presence in the post could provide a valuable asset for the Aces as they look to establish a formidable frontcourt.

Navigating a Challenging Nonconference Schedule

Ragland has made it clear that his primary objective in assembling the Aces' nonconference schedule was to prepare the team for the rigors of Missouri Valley Conference play. The Aces will face a daunting slate of opponents, including North Texas, Ohio State, Western Kentucky, Chattanooga, and UT Arlington – all of whom are ranked in the preseason top 150 by KenPom.com.This challenging nonconference schedule will serve as a crucial test for the Aces, providing valuable experience and insight into the team's strengths and weaknesses. While a competitive nonconference slate can help the Aces become better prepared for the MVC, it also carries the risk of potential losses that could hamper their conference aspirations. Ragland and his staff will need to strike a delicate balance, ensuring that the Aces are battle-tested without letting early-season setbacks derail their overall progress.

Projecting the Aces' MVC Finish

Predicting the Aces' final standing in the MVC is a challenging task, as the conference landscape is in a state of flux. Many teams, even at the Power 4 level, have undergone significant roster changes in the offseason, making it difficult to gauge the true pecking order.While the Aces were selected ninth in the MVC preseason poll, some may view this as a low projection, considering the team's recent upward trajectory. A top-half finish in the conference would be an impressive accomplishment, but it will depend on the immediate impact of the newcomers and the continued development of players like Cuff and Hughes.Ragland and his staff will have two months to refine the team's chemistry and playing style before the grind of conference play begins. The Aces' ability to navigate a challenging nonconference schedule and translate their improvements into MVC success will be the key determinants of their final standing in the conference.