WAYNESBURG, Pa. (Nov. 5) – Heading into his seventh season as head men's basketball coach at Waynesburg University, Tim Fusina knows there is plenty of uncertain surrounding his program this season. However, with a small, but reliable core of veterans, some intriguing transfers and freshmen and the staff's willingness to try to some new things this year, the Jackets are not ruling out a move up the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) standings.
 
Perhaps the biggest questions lie in Waynesburg's front court, where they graduated star All-PAC forward Antone Baker, who led the team in scoring (16.3 ppg), rebounds (10.0 rpg) and steals (51). PJ Suggs, who trailed only Baker in scoring (12.9 ppg), blocks (18) and steals (27) has also graduated, as did Jaylen Davis, who ended last year ranked fourth in scoring (6.8 ppg), third in rebounding (5.4 rpg) and first in blocks (23).
 
"We're trying to figure out how to replace a lot of major contributors to this team, especially in the front court," Fusina said. "I think we have talent. I think we have skill, maybe even more so than in the past. We are figuring out how to fill that void left by Antone, PJ and Jaylen Davis. Those were three big contributors"
 
The Jackets will also be without Korey Mitchum, who broke out last year as the team's starting point guard and vocal leader. He was the only Jacket to start all 25 games this past winter. His 56 assists were easily tops on the team. He also contributed 5.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per contest.
 
That leaves senior Jalen Goins (Morgantown, W.Va. / Morgantown) as the lone returning starter from last year's 7-18 squad that posted a 5-15 mark in PAC competition. Goins, who transferred to Waynesburg after two years at PennWest California, started 24 games on the wing and finished third on the team with 7.6 points per game. His .351 three-point percentage was tops on the team, as were his 34 made treys.
 
Unlike the frontcourt, Waynesburg's backcourt does boast some experience and familiarity, starting with senior Scott Bilovus (Imperial, Pa. / West Allegheny). Bilovus has appeared in 50 games coming into this season and averaged 4.4 points and 1.4 rebounds over 24 contests in 2024-25. A long-distance specialist, Bilovus finished second on the team with 33 made shots from three-point range.
 
Another senior, Case Keesee (Tipp City, Ohio / Bethel), logged three starts over 19 games played, in his first year with the Yellow Jackets after playing two seasons at Earlham. Not only did Keesee finish second on the team in assists (39) and third in three pointers made (13), but he logged back-to-back 20-point performances against Westminster and Hiram.
 
Juniors Mikey Smith (Medford, N.Y. / William Floyd) and Aiden Blake (Parkersburg, W.Va. / Parkersburg South), as well as senior Grant Barnhart (St. Mary's, W.Va. / St. Mary's), all appeared in at least 17 games, with Smith also making a start against Pitt Greensburg.
 
Another name to keep an eye on is junior Jackson Rhodes (Christchurch, New Zealand / St. Andrews College). Rhodes started 10 of the 18 games in which he appeared during the 2023-24 season while playing for Earlham. Unfortunately, Rhodes was unable to compete in his first year after transferring to Waynesburg due to an ankle injury. Now healthy, Fusina has high expectations for the international talent.
 
"Jackson was hurt all of last season with an ankle, so he was never able to see the court," Fusina said. "We are very interested in seeing what he can do in live competition."
 
With a 28-man roster, Waynesburg has plenty of new faces to provide competition for court time.
 
Junior Cam Danser (Morgantown, W.Va. / Morgantown) brings 6-7 height to the wing position and started 20 of the 27 games in which he appeared during his second season at West Virginia Tech. He averaged 7.0 points, 0.4 assists and 2.4 rebounds over 53 games played.
 
Another transfer wing, sophomore Demetrius Rivers (Strongsville, Ohio / Glenville (Ginn Academy)), played four games at Heidelberg and brings 6-5 size to the squad.
 
One of the most intriguing true freshmen is Preston Luzader (Fairview, W.Va. / Clay-Battelle), who brings 6-6 height and some impressive high school credentials with him to campus.
 
While the PAC has garnered a reputation for parity when it comes to the men's basketball ranks, the South Division in which Waynesburg resides looks to be a true buzzsaw led by returning champion Chatham, returning runner-up Washington & Jefferson and perennial league powerhouse Saint Vincent.
 
"The league's loaded. Our side of the conference is really loaded," Fusina said. "W&J brings everyone back from a team that won more than 20 games," Fusina said. "Saint Vincent is always going to have talent. Franciscan brings back probably the best guard in the conference back in Sawyer Butler. Chatham has a new coach, but they bring a lot back. This is the most talented the conference has been since I've been head coach here. It's going to be hard for anyone to win on a nightly basis."
 
Not only is Waynesburg facing an endurance test in its PAC schedule, but the Jackets will be well tested with non-league competition that includes a loaded Omni Ink Waynesburg Tip-Off Tournament that is scheduled for Nov. 14 and 15. Case Western Reserve, Mount Union and Muhlenberg will also be in competition at the event.
 
The 2025-26 season tips off on Friday, Nov. 7, at the two-day Hawks Against Hunger Tip-Off Tournament, which is hosted by Hilbert College. The Yellow Jackets will face the host Hawks in night one. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.