Who’s Back: ESU returns a talented squad and brings in several newcomers, who are expected to contribute immediately. The Warriors return three of their top four scorers, but ESU will need to replace the production of leading scorer and rebounder Carlos Pepin, who was named to the All-PSAC East First Team and the NABC All-Region First Team. The Warriors return two-time All-PSAC East selection Lakeem McAliley, as the team’s leading scorer (16.6 ppg), rebounder (5.8 rpg), along with pacing ESU in steals (1.8 spg), blocks (0.9 blocks per game). McAliley also shoots at an efficient rate, knocking down 58.8 percent of his field goal attempts, 40.4 percent of his 3-point attempts and 83.7 percent of his free throw attempts. Other returning starters from last year’s squad include Justin Paz (9.5 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.1 spg, 3.5 apg) Jaelen McGlone (11.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.3 spg). Mike Ramos (22 games started) and Davon Lee (13 games started) and Shamir Johnson (13.6 mpg) also return, adding significant depth. Other holdovers from the 2022-23 roster include: Zion Darby, Tyshawn Trail, Jack Farrell and Nasir Griffin.

Who’s New: Six newcomers join the Warriors in 2023-24, with two transfers in Cam Young (Saint Peter’s/Bowling Green) and Jaheim Bethea (IUP). The four freshman Warriors include: Jalen Pichardo (East Brunswick, N.J./St. Thomas Aquinas), Terrell Pitts (Trenton, N.J./St. Thomas Aquinas), Nayeem Johnson (Philadelphia, Pa./Mathematics Civics and Sciences Charter) and Carson Howard (Warminster, Pa./Archbishop Wood).

The Coach: The Warriors are guided by ESU alumnus Jeff Wilson ‘86 in his 21st season at the helm of the Warriors. Wilson is the Warriors’ all-time wins leader and ranks fifth in the PSAC. Over the past 20 seasons, he has helped the Warriors to seven NCAA Tournaments, three PSAC Championships and ESU’s first Atlantic Region title in 2018. He led the Warriors to his ninth 20-win and his fourth over the past five season in 2022-23. ESU had just five 20-wins seasons prior to Wilson taking the helm in 2002-03. 

A Winning Recipe: The Warriors have been known to cause havoc defensively, which leads to a fast-paced offense, creating more possessions and opportunities for more points on the scoreboard. Last season, ESU led the PSAC and ranked ninth in scoring, averaging 86.9 points per game. Additionally, the Warrior defense led the league and ranked sixth in turnovers forced per game (18.6) and eighth in NCAA DII in steals per game (9.8). As a result, the Warriors ranked 13th in the country in scoring margin, leading ESU to 23 wins, helping ESU advance to its eighth NCAA Tournament in program history.  ESU also ranked in the top-20 in the nation in assists per game (17.2).

The Schedule: After facing Lincoln and ECSU at the Harbor of Hospitality Classic, the Warriors head to Molloy (Nov. 15) and D’Youville (Nov. 25) before its home and PSAC opening weekend against Mercyhurst (Dec. 1) and Gannon (Dec. 2). The three-game homestand ends against Holy Family (Dec. 10). The Warriors head to both Clarion (Dec. 18) and Pitt-Johnstown (Dec. 19) prior to the holiday break.

The Warriors return to Koehler Fieldhouse one last time in the calendar year on Dec. 30 against IUP, in a matchup between the favorites of both PSAC divisions. Afte one-last PSAC crossover against Edinboro on Jan. 3, ESU begins its PSAC East schedule on the road at Shepherd on Jan. 6. ESU quickly jumps out of conference for a home game against Goldey-Beacom (Jan. 10). The Warriors will battle each of the eight PSAC East teams at home and the road to close the regular season. Following the PSAC First Round (March 4) and Quarterfinal Round (March 6), the highest-remaining seed in the PSAC West will host the PSAC Semifinals (March 9) and PSAC Championship (March 10).

The NCAA Selection Show will take place on March 10th, with the NCAA Tournament set to begin on March 16. The NCAA Elite Eight will be hosted in Evansville, Ind.