EVANSVILLE — Practices are underway and a new college basketball season will tip off in less than a month.
There’s much excitement for the University of Southern Indiana as it heads into Year 3 as a Division I program. But there are a few challenges as well. How will the Screaming Eagles respond with a bunch of new faces on their roster? Can they take the next step in contending for the Ohio Valley Conference title?
Here are five burning questions heading into the upcoming season.
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How can USI improve after a rough 2023-24 campaign?
The Eagles finished 8-24 overall last winter and lost in the first round of the OVC tournament, though three of their final four losses were decided by fewer than 10 points. USI excelled at taking the ball away and creating extra possessions but struggled to make the most out of those opportunities.
The schedule isn’t as heavy this season as USI won’t face any high-major opponents. While defensive rebounding was also a strong suit, the Eagles aim to be even more athletic on the glass. USI looks to improve on defense as well as it allowed 73 points per game last season, the fifth-most in the OVC.
How will USI adjust after losing much of its production?
There’s no doubt the Eagles will bring out a new starting five this season. It lost seven players to the transfer portal, including the OVC’s fifth-leading scorer and fourth-best rebounder.
USI still boasts a pair of multi-year starters in Jack Campion and Jack Mielke. Both played in every game last season as Campion, whose 3.8 assists per game ranked fourth in the OVC, started the most of any player with 36. While the bigs have been dealing with injuries, they also look to take the next step. That includes 6-foot-8 Jadyn Shider, a transfer from Northwest Florida State College, and 6-10 Nick Hittle, who played in 24 games last winter.
The rest of USI’s transfers have their strengths. Some of them are scoring threats while others excel on defense. Coach Stan Gouard has high praise for all of his new players, from transfers Stephen Olowonyi and Jared Washington to freshman and former Evansville Christian standout Josiah Dunham.
How much do the veterans mean to the Screaming Eagles?
Gouard looks for his veterans to continue to be an extension of the coaching staff. He referred to Mielke, now entering his fourth year in the program, as one of the best leaders he’s coached and someone who speaks often, early and loud.
USI’s newest players are buying into the culture just like the veterans. Dunham and Mielke are among the first people to arrive at practice each day. The veterans aren’t just leaders on the court but also in the classroom. Mielke, Campion and Hittle made the OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll last season.
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How will the schedule benefit USI?
Gouard called last year’s schedule “brutal” as his team faced Saint Louis, Michigan State and Duke throughout the first seven games. He felt the team “probably overscheduled” after those defeats shaped their season early.
This season, however, could present an easier path to success without facing heavyweight national foes. None of the non-conference opponents are considered top-100 programs — at least not in the preseason.
USI will be tested by the likes of DePaul, Marshall, Bellarmine, Purdue Fort Wayne and Southern Illinois on the road while Bucknell, South Dakota and Indiana State make the trip to Screaming Eagles Arena.
Can USI contend for the OVC title in 2024-25?
The college basketball landscape is constantly changing with the transfer portal and NIL. USI is heading into its third year of the D-I transitional period, but it won’t be long before the Eagles can be eligible for March Madness. (There’s a rule proposal the NCAA will vote on in January that could make this their last transition year.)
USI expects to make noise in the OVC this season. Although the preseason poll will not be released until later this month, Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook ranked USI ninth out of 11 teams in its projections. Regardless, the Eagles are ready to flip the page this winter.
It’s going to be a process of adjusting with a mostly new roster, but USI remains excited no matter what challenges arise.
