The Breeze JMU Basketball Preview 11.2.23 by The Breeze

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jmu basketball preview November 2, 2023

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Letter from the sports editors After being crowned Sun Belt champions, JMU women’s basketball fell to Ohio State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last season. What seemed like the perfect “storybook ending” to former guards Kiki Jefferson and Caroline Germond left the rest of the Dukes unsatisfied. However, head coach Sean O’Regan said his crew is ready for their next mission. Meanwhile, men’s head coach Mark Byington echoed O’Regan’s message about his own team. After an exit in the Sun Belt tournament semifinals and graduating four players, Byington is prepared for a

new task with strong transfers and motivation for his team to advance even further into tournament play this season. Now heading into both seasons, there’s buzz around the teams as they were both voted to finish first in the Sun Belt Conference in the preseason coaches’ poll. With fresh faces and returners alike, both teams are looking to make some noise and continue to bring JMU basketball in a new era of success. Last season, the men’s team’s 22 wins were its most since 1981-82, and the women’s side returned to March Madness for the first time since 2016.

The fact of the matter is JMU basketball is only rising, and the sky’s the limit. So, what better way to represent that than going beyond the sky and into the depths of space? With strong transfers joining the Dukes’ rosters and veterans ready to return to the court with both teams tipping off their season next week, there are plenty of questions as to if the Dukes can live up to the Sun Belt coaches’ predictions, and for the women’s team, if they can make back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances. For that answer, we’ll just have to wait and see, but you’ll find everything

you need to know before then in our JMU men’s and women’s basketball preview, “Ready for Liftoff.”

Sincerely, Kaiden Bridges Jackson Hephner Sports Editors

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Shoot for the stars McDaniel takes another step in women’s program as emerging leader

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By SARABETH ELLIS The Breeze Last season, redshirt sophomore guard Peyton McDaniel became a Sun Belt champion, competed in the NCAA Tournament and was named Sun Belt Sixth Woman of the Year. But she believes there is still more to come for her and her team. “Having that experience now and being able to play this year, knowing we can do that again [return to the NCAA Tournament],” McDaniel said, “the overall goal is to just win a championship, and get to the NCAA Tournament and hopefully get a couple wins in there too.” McDaniel was a crucial player for the Dukes in their 2022-23 season, leading them in 3-pointers with 75 while scoring 369 total points, the second most on the team. McDaniel made the Sun Belt All-Tournament Team and shot 7-for-7 from three in the Sun Belt championship game, while tying her career-high of 30 points. “I’ve never seen a shooter like her, and I’ve never played with a shooter that lethal,” fellow guard and U.Va. graduate transfer Carole Miller said. After defeating No. 2 Texas State in the Sun Belt championship last season, JMU competed in the NCAA Tournament as a 14 seed, where they fell to No. 3 Ohio State 80-66 in the first round. McDaniel said she believes the team gained a lot from its journey to the NCAA Tournament and now has a better idea of what they need to do to return. “It was a great experience playing in front of a huge crowd and just honestly the experience to not only play in it but get there, so now, we kind of know what it takes to get there,” McDaniel said. McDaniel has been successful at JMU since arriving as a freshman in 2020. That year, she made the 2021 CAA All-Rookie Team and became the third freshman in program history to score 30 points in a game. But she sustained a knee injury and was unable to play the whole 2021-22 season. After having surgery and being redshirted, McDaniel said rehab and having to take the season off was an “up-and-down process,” but she took it as a learning experience. Not practicing every day because of her injury, McDaniel only started two games last season and was named Sun Belt Sixth Woman of the Year, an honor that head coach Sean O’Regan says McDaniel earned because she was “a starter talent” coming off the bench. Despite not having a starting spot, McDaniel was a key asset for JMU, averaging 11.5 points per game. “I feel like I kind of just embraced that role,” McDaniel said, “just being the extra push that the team needed some games.” McDaniel is now a veteran going into her fourth season on a team with four new transfers. One of those transfers, Miller, emphasized how McDaniel’s experience has turned her into someone teammates look up to. “She’s always going to guide her other teammates, which I really respect about her,” Miller said. “I can’t wait to see her growth even throughout this season and after that.” McDaniel’s success at JMU has come in large part from her shooting abilities, but she also finished last season with 21 steals and was third among Dukes in rebounds with 144. Miller said McDaniel has many strengths, not just shooting. “She’s also very strong; she really knows how to use her body and is kind of unsuspectingly quick too on the court, which is good to have at this level,” Miller said. “She can definitely cause a lot of mismatch problems.” McDaniel worked hard in the offseason and said she focused on keeping her body healthy. O’Regan said he believes now that she has recovered from her injury, she will continue to improve and work on new skills. “It’s been really hard for her. She had no preseason last year and no summertime because her injury was not going the way we wanted it to go,” O’Regan said. “Now she has had a whole spring, summer and fall, and she’s gotten a lot better. Being able to do something with the ball in your hands is a different part of the game for Peyton, and she’s worked really hard at it.” McDaniel and the rest of the team are aligned in their goal of returning to the NCAA Tournament. Despite making the dance last year for the first time since 2016, JMU is hungry for more and wants to go even further this season. “Every one of our players’ team goals, every single one of them, said win a game in the NCAA Tournament,” O’Regan said. “Not just go to the NCAA Tournament.” In the preseason, McDaniel was named All-Sun Belt Second Team alongside her teammate, redshirt junior center Kseniia Kozlova. The Dukes were also picked to win the conference in the preseason coaches poll, despite the loss of graduate forward Kiki Jefferson, who transferred to Louisville after leading JMU with 18.3 points per game last year. Moving forward, O’Regan said he hopes to see “a different element” of McDaniel’s game, and McDaniel herself is looking to take on a leadership role and surpass last season’s success. “Holding ourselves to the highest standard that we can just as we did last year,” McDaniel said about this year’s goals. “Apart from winning games, just winning championships and then make it to the NCAA Tournament.” CONTACT Sarabeth Ellis at ellis2sp@dukes.jmu.edu. For more women’s basketball coverage, follow the sports desk on X @TheBreezeSports.

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Graduate guard Olivia Mullins said she’s never seem someone with redshirt sophomore guard Peyton McDaniel’s ability to shoot the ball. Breeze file photo

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Women’s team welcomes four transfers to roster Players from Ohio State, U.Va. and other schools aim to help JMU repeat last year’s Sun Belt championship win and return to NCAA Tournament By ASHLEY INGRAM contributing writer

Heading into the 2023-24 season, JMU women’s basketball is welcoming four experienced transfers to the roster — graduate guard Carole Miller, redshirt junior guard Olivia Mullins, senior guard Hevynne Bristow and junior forward Ashanti Barnes. “It’s a really, really strong transfer group,” JMU head coach Sean O’Regan said. “But they’re all different, and that’s what I like about it.”

Carole Miller: ‘Swiss army knife’

Guard Carole Miller is a graduate transfer from U.Va. Women’s head coach Sean O’Regan described her intelligence on the court as her biggest asset. Photos courtesy of JMU Athletics

Miller, a transfer from U.Va., is playing for the Dukes as a graduate student in her final year of eligibility. Being in such close proximity to JMU in Charlottesville at U.Va., Miller said she’s been familiar with head coach Sean O’Regan’s squad and that JMU’s been supportive in her transition to Harrisonburg. “The team has welcomed me with open arms,” Miller said.

As a Cavalier, Miller averaged 5.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game last season. O’Regan described Miller as a “Swiss army knife.” “She’s not high-flying, she’s not the fastest kid in the world,” O’Regan said, “but she is super smart. And, you know, if a rebound gets down here, she’s going to come up with it … Whatever we need, she comes up with.” Miller said she’s excited to be a part of a team with a winning standard and that she’s ready to put in the hard work to aid her teammates. “It’s no secret I came from a program that was the losing program for basically all four years I was there,” Miller said; in her four years at U.Va., the Cavaliers went a combined 33-59. “So coming into an environment where winning is, I wouldn’t say the normal, but like the standard, and the previous standard of last year to kind of live up to.”

Olivia Mullins: versatile guard

Mullins, who comes from Saint Joseph’s in Pennsylvania, also joined the Dukes this season. She said her transition to JMU has been smooth, with the biggest adjustment being the move from Philadelphia to Harrisonburg.

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Senior guard Hevynne Bristow previously played for Ohio State, the same team that knocked the Dukes out of the NCAA Tournament last year.

Since transferring, Mullins said she’s adjusted her routine as a student-athlete and begins her day in the gym when she’s not in class, adding that practice and getting reps is her favorite part of her day on campus. “Depending on the day, I can come in early and get some treatment or extra shots, or [watch] film,” Mullins said. Mullins averaged 8.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game last season with the Hawks. She said her focus this season is helping the Dukes win a second straight Sun Belt championship, with the mindset that she and the other transfer players are Dukes for a reason: to return to the NCAA tournament. “That’s exactly what I want to do; that’s exactly why I came here,” Mullins said. “Coach O didn’t bring all of us in for no reason.” O’Regan said Mullins has done well transitioning into the program and making her presence known on the court, adding that she did a good job in a scrimmage JMU had against Radford on Oct. 21.

Hevynne Bristow: ‘wow’ talent

Bristow is a senior transfer guard from Ohio State, the same team that knocked the Dukes out of the NCAA Tournament with a 80-66 win in March. For the Buckeyes, Bristow averaged 3.6 points and 3.0 rebounds on 10.5 minutes of action per game. O’Regan said Bristow has “wow” talent and hopes she’s able to perform for the Dukes, as the team is waiting for a waiver allowing Bristow to play this season, which could happen any day. “Bristow could be the most impactful we

have,” O’Regan said. “People are going to buy tickets to watch her play.”

Ashanti Barnes: high rebound potential

Formerly playing for Trinity Valley Community College in Texas, Barnes is another veteran joining the Dukes’ roster this season. After Barnes averaged 10.7 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, O’Regan said he has high expectations for her this season. Despite not watching her play in the Dukes’ recent scrimmage — Barnes was out with an ankle injury — O’Regan said he believes she could be the best rebounder in the Sun Belt. “She can score it; she has great hands; she can shoot a three, defend, rebound,” O’Regan said.

Ashanti Barnes is a junior forward transfer from Trinity Valley Community College in Texas. O’Regan said he believes Barnes could be the best rebounder in the Sun Belt this season.

Basketball powerhouse influences

After an impressive season last year that included capturing the 2023 Sun Belt championship and making an appearance in the NCAA Tournament, O’Regan said he believes this is a strong transfer group and is looking for them to step up this winter. O’Regan said adding Bristow from Ohio State and other players from notable basketball schools such as U.Va. following the Dukes’ NCAA Tournament appearance helps the team put a name out for themselves. “I just think they can see the quality of what we bring and what we have, and we’ve had some chances to get some really good kids here,” O’Regan said. CONTACT Ashley Ingram at ingra2am@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more women’s basketball coverage, follow the sports desk on X at @TheBreezeSports.

“Coach O didn’t bring all of us in for no reason.” Olivia Mullins

Redshirt junior guard

Redshirt junior guard Olivia Mullins transfered from Saint Joseph’s. At the Philadelphia-based school, she averaged 8.4 points, 3.6 rebound and 3.0 assists per game last winter.

Thursday, November 2, 2023 | breezejmu.org

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THEY WON’T TELL YOU WHAT’S HAPPENING...

Sophomore guard Xavier Brown averaged 2.8 points per game last season with a season-high of 11 points against Marshall on Dec. 31. Ryan Sauer / The Breeze

Out with the old, in with the new Men’s basketball stays focused as familiar faces take on increased roles By PRESTON COMER contributing writer As the college basketball season approaches, there are questions surrounding the expectations of JMU basketball. While the Dukes were projected to finish atop the Sun Belt by the conference’s coaches in October, they have multiple holes in their starting rotation this season without graduating guards Vado Morse (2020-23) and Takal Molson (2021-23), and forwards Alonzo Sule (2021-23) and Mezie Offurum (2022-23). “It’s time for us to figure out who can do what best, at what time,” JMU head coach Mark Byington said. With multiple roles that need to be filled in 2023-24, Byington will have the opportunity to showcase recruits and transfers in a more prominent role who he hasn’t had in all three of his seasons at JMU.

T.J. Bickerstaff: Defensive anchor

A player Byington expects an immediate impact from is Boston College and Drexel transfer graduate forward T.J. Bickerstaff, who is preparing to play his first season at JMU after spending the past two with the Eagles. Byington said he’s looking to 6-foot9 Bickerstaff to be a defensive anchor on the court but also a leader and mentor off it. “I need to be vocal,” Bickerstaff said. “Being a leader is a new experience for me, but I’ve had great leaders in my first four seasons. It’s important that I set an example for my younger teammates, especially the ones who will be playing a bigger role.”

Noah Freidel: 3-point weapon

Offensively, redshirt senior guard Noah Freidel played a large role as a shooter for the Dukes last season when he averaged 8.7 points in 24 minutes per game after transferring from South Dakota State. Freidel shot 31.7% from behind the arc, with 5.9 3-point attempts per game. With the absence of Morse and Molson, Freidel is focused on helping his team and finding its play style.

“We will need to establish an identity throughout the duration of the season,” Freidel said. “We have the chemistry; we just need to be our best in March. And come March, this team will be there.”

Xavier Brown: Leader at guard

Freidel also emphasized JMU’s expectations for sophomore guard Xavier Brown, as he will also fill the absence of the graduated guards alongside Freidel. “I think Xavier will step up this year,” Freidel said. “As a freshman last year, he got trickled into the rotation, but we will need him a lot more this year.” Brown played in 27 of the Dukes’ 33 games last season, and he averaged just under 10 minutes per game. He still managed to score 2.8 points per game and had a season high of 11 points in a win against Marshall on Dec. 13. With a chip on his shoulder, Brown expressed excitement and determination about his expected increase in production. “I’m going to embrace my new role and start to become a leader,” Brown said. “I’ve been working for this all spring and summer, and my teammates have helped instill that mindset into me. I have high expectations for myself just like my coaches and teammates have of me.” Brown also credited Morse for his growth as a player and a leader. “Vado helped me a lot last year, on and off the court,” Brown said. “I feel like I have nothing but knowledge now.” Byington said he has high expectations for his squad, but most importantly, he wants the players to stay grounded and figure out their roles. “Regardless of the expectations, this team has some work to do,” Byington said. “We need to run our own race and figure out who our team is.” CONTACT Preston Comer at comerps@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more men’s basketball coverage, follow the sports desk on X @TheBreezeSports.

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Preview | Men’s basketball focuses on itself amid high expectations By JACKSON HEPHNER The Breeze

With less than two weeks to go until the start of the season, head coach Mark Byington stood in the Atlantic Union Bank Center concourse and made his message clear — there’s plenty of work to be done. “We’ve got a ways to go,” Byington said. “We’re trying to put in a lot of different parts, and I know we’ve had some expectations and predictions that put us at the top of the league or whatever else, but we’re going to run our own race, and we’ll see how things come together.” Those expectations were put on JMU by Sun Belt Conference coaches, who projected the Dukes to finish atop the league in the preseason poll. JMU received 176 total points and seven of the 14 first-place votes. Byington said the Dukes addressed the outside noise surrounding their season as a team, and that they are focused on being the best version of themselves. Redshirt senior forward Julien Wooden echoed his coach’s sentiment, saying his focus going into the year is “keeping the main goal the main goal.” “We’re not going to play in March Madness tomorrow,” he said. “So we just got to worry about the team now and just keep focused on getting 1% better every day.” Redshirt junior guard/forward Terrence Edwards Jr. said since his and Byington’s first year in 2020-21, when the Dukes were projected to finish second-to-last in the CAA before winning the league’s regular season championship, Byington has told his team not to pay attention to the preseason poll. “We don’t want to be picked first,” Edwards said. “We want to finish first.” Before the Dukes can even get close to finishing first or earning a potential NCAA Tournament bid, they have to get through their first week of games, a slate Byington said he’d put up against anybody else’s. JMU opens its season by playing three teams in just six days that appeared in last year’s NCAA Tournament. It starts on the road at No. 4 Michigan State on Monday, before facing Kent State, last year’s MAC champions, on Nov. 9. JMU then returns to the AUBC for its home opener against Howard, the reigning MEAC champions, on Nov. 12. Despite the schedule’s difficulty, Wooden said he’s excited for the first week, adding that he thinks the adversity will benefit the Dukes later in the season. Byington shared a similar mindset.

“It’s going make us have to learn things quickly,” Byington said, “and sometimes, when things are good, you’re not forced to learn and adjust and figure out what you do well and don’t do well.” The Dukes have a lot to learn this year after four of their starters graduated last season — guards Vado Morse (2020-23) and Takal Molson (2021-23), and forwards Mezie Offurum (2022-23) and Alonzo Sule (2021-23). The Dukes will also be without redshirt junior forward Justin Amadi, who’s out for the season with a lower body injury. In their place, Byington has brought in five new transfers to fill the roster. Byington emphasized the strength and size in his new lineup but worried that lateral quickness on defense is lacking. He highlighted the loss of Amadi, calling him “one of the most athletic guys in the league,” capable of helping out all five positions defensively with ball screens and with steals. In Amadi’s place, Byington said the team needs more from returning sophomore forward Jerell Robertson, as well as two newcomers: graduate forward T.J. Bickerstaff — who’s previously played at Drexel and Boston College — and freshman forward Jaylen Carey. “They’re all capable,” Byington said. “I think they’re looking for the opportunity, but we’re going to miss Justin, and I can already see that at times.” In regards to the absence of last year’s seniors, Byington said things will be different for his returning players, who now are stepping up into more prominent leadership roles. Wooden said the last time he had such a role was in high school, but he’s “learning every day” and talking to Byington and his teammates to make sure they’re all on the same page. Edwards said his goal as a leader this year is to avoid having bad days while elevating those around him. “Every time I’m up, just always bring a guy that’s down, bring them with me,” he said. While JMU still has plenty to figure out as the beginning of the season nears, Edwards made it clear how excited the team is to get back onto the court. “We’re ready. We can’t wait,” he said. “It’s been sitting on us for a minute now, and we’re just excited that it’s around the corner.” CONTACT Jackson Hephner at breezesports@gmail.com. For more men’s basketball coverage, follow the sports desk on X at @TheBreezeSports.

Redshirt senior forward Julien Wooden said his main focus going forward this season is “keeping the main goal the main goal.” Breeze file photos

Redshirt junior guard/forward Terrence Edwards Jr. said his goal as a leader this year is to elevate those around him.

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Preview | Coach O’Regan ‘ready’ for women’s hoops to be tested By KAIDEN BRIDGES The Breeze

Coming off a Sun Belt championship title, an NCAA tournament appearance and being picked to finish first in the conference’s preseason coaches poll, JMU women’s basketball head coach Sean O’Regan said he knows his squad already has a target on its back coming into the 2023-24 season. While the Dukes head into the season being hunted by the rest of the conference, O’Regan said he’s excited to get the season rolling and watch his team perform. “We got a lot better from spring to fall, and that’s the whole idea,” O’Regan said. “So, I’m just excited to get going and get tested here.” As he reminisced on the “storybook” season the team had last year, when JMU finished 26-8 (13-5 Sun Belt), O’Regan said the team’s focus for the year is similar to last’s, with the same end goal in sight: a return to the NCAA Tournament. “For no better way to say it, it was like a drug for me,” O’Regan said, describing the Dukes’ tournament run. “I just have to go back.” Redshirt sophomore guard Peyton McDaniel, who after last year was named the Sun Belt Sixth Woman of the Year, said the tournament was a great experience, and she said she has full confidence in her team’s ability to make the same postseason run this year. “Every practice, every game, we’re going to try and push with that goal in mind,” McDaniel said. To obtain the team’s objective, O’Regan said the Dukes have to perform better when facing lower-seeded Sun Belt teams, referencing JMU’s 71-58 loss at home to Marshall last season. He said if they can manage this well this coming season, then when they return to the tournament, their atmosphere could have played better into its favor, as No. 5 seeds don’t go on the road to the higher seed’s stadium in the women’s NCAA Tournament. “If they had taken care of business against Georgia Southern, Marshall and Georgia State, some of the bottom teams in the league, you’re not a 14 seed,” O’Regan said. “And now, if you’re not a 14 seed, you get to play somebody on the neutral floor, and it’s easier to win a game. So just having them understand the full view of it.” With nine of O’Regan’s 14 players in their fourth or fifth years of eligibility, he said he’s never had a team with such maturity on the court.

The Dukes were selected to finish first in the conference’s preseason coaches poll. Breeze file photos

“We got a ton of experience coming back,” O’Regan said. “You have nine players that are in their fourth year or more, some in their fifth year, and that’s really unique I think. I’ve never had a team like this, ever, but I do think in college basketball with the portal and the transfer and some teams do get to experience this, it’s just the first time it’s happened to me.” Redshirt junior guard and Saint Joseph’s transfer Olivia Mullins echoed O’Regan’s excitement about having an older roster. She said it builds the team’s chemistry on and off the court. “Seeing where I fit in and building relationships with the girls, it’s been really fun, and all that stuff is translating on the court,” Mullins said. “I’m coming in as a senior, and we’re all primarily very old, so like right now, we’re kind of on our way out of this, but I want to still create trusting relationships with these people. We also want to win games — that’s what we’re all here for.” Two more of O’Regan’s veterans — McDaniel, who finished last season with 11.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, and redshirt junior center Kseniia Kozlova, who averaged 10.5 points and 5.6 rebounds — were both rostered on the All-Sun Belt Second Team this preseason. With the absence of former guards Caroline Germond and Kiki Jefferson who transferred to Louisville after last season, O’Regan said he’s looking forward to watching McDaniel make a name for herself on the court. “She didn’t have the ball in her hands a lot last year,” O’Regan said. “Kiki [Jefferson] did, Jamia [Hazell] did, even Caroline [Germond], but this year, can we put the ball in her hands with a shot clock at 10 and see what she does. Her points per game will go up naturally.” McDaniel said her goal as a leader for the Dukes is to hold the team to a high standard because she understands what the team is capable of doing after last year’s output. O’Regan said as JMU gets closer to its first game against Eastern Mennonite University on Monday, it’s important for the players to remember that despite the momentum coming off last season, the Dukes get to start over with a clean slate. “Last year was last year, you know, two years ago was two years ago,” O’Regan said. “Right now, we’re a fresh group. Our goal is to win it, and we’re going to figure out a way to do that.” CONTACT Kaiden Bridges at breezesports@gmail.com. For more women’s basketball coverage, follow the sports desk on X at @TheBreezeSports.

Redshirt sophomore guard Peyton McDaniel, the Sun Belt Sixth Woman of the Year in 2022-23, said she has full confidence in JMU’s ability to return to the NCAA Tournament. But this year, she said she’s looking to make a run in it.

Thursday, November 2, 2023 | breezejmu.org

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Two teams, 209 threes Noah Freidel set to enter second year at JMU By JACKSON HEPHNER The Breeze

Redshirt senior guard Noah Freidel joined the Dukes last season after spending his first three years at South Dakota State. Breeze file photos

JMU men’s basketball was coming off a three-game losing streak last season when the Dukes defeated Georgia Southern 83-71 on Jan. 14. It was a big win for JMU, with four of its five starters finishing in double figures.. But in the post-game press conference, Byington highlighted one newcomer in the lineup. “If Noah Freidel is open, I’d be out of my mind not to tell him to shoot it,” he said. The redshirt senior guard joined the Dukes as a transfer last season after spending his first three years at South Dakota State. Freidel went to high school approximately 65 miles away from SDSU’s campus. The Tea, South Dakota, native’s decision to transfer came from a simple desire. “I wanted to get away,” Freidel told The Breeze in late October. “I wanted to get away from home. I was just there my whole life, and I thought it was time for a change.” Freidel went from being almost 65 miles away from his high school to 1,278 miles. He said moving to Harrisonburg was an adjustment, with him being away from family, and even just having to get used to the people. “East Coast people and Midwest people aren’t that much alike,” he said. Still, Freidel said the move has helped him grow as a person. Byington talked more about that transition on Monday. “It’s a transition to go from, you leave the Dakotas and come to Harrisonburg, Virginia, and a new team, new players, new style, I mean, that’s a big adjustment,” Byington said. “I think he showed glimpses of what he can do last year.” In his first year at JMU, Freidel averaged 8.7 points per game, highlighted by 13 double-digit performances but also four scoreless appearances across 33 games played. His 20 points against the Eagles in mid-January stood as his second-highest scoring performance of the year, bested only by a 23-point barrage against Howard on Nov. 15. Freidel finished the year as the Dukes’ leader in 3-pointers (63). However, his 3-point percentage of 31.7% was a step down from his three seasons at South Dakota State, where he finished with a career average of 39.2%.

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Freidel’s 3-point percentages year-by-year Freshman year

Junior year

2019-20

2021-22

39.5%

Jackson Hephner / The Breeze

39.6%

Sophomore year

Redshirt junior year

2020-21

2022-23

38.4%

Reflecting on his first year, Freidel said his biggest takeaway was that he wasn’t as comfortable as he wanted to be, but he said “that comes with time,” as he and his teammates continue to get more on the same page. In his second year, Freidel will be a notable returner on a roster that includes five new transfers and five underclassmen. Freidel emphasized the importance for him as a veteran to keep everyone involved and playing together, especially the younger players. “We know what it takes if you want to win,” he said. “Younger guys don’t always get that; they don’t always see that. So, just keeping everyone on a next-play mentality.” As for his own personal game, Freidel said after four seasons of college basketball, he learned to use the pace and flow of the game to his advantage. He said he played hard but made plenty of mistakes at South Dakota State as a freshman, committing a career-high 56 turnovers. “The game kind of slows down year after year, once you play, you get more comfortable out there,” Freidel said.

31.7%

Byington said he expects Freidel’s second year at JMU to be a “much smoother journey” for him. Coming off of a great summer from the guard, Byington said he’s excited to see what he’ll do. “Truthfully, we’re going to need him more this year,” Byington said. “We’re going to lean on him more, and that’s what he wants.” Not only is Byington hoping to rely on Freidel more this season, the whole team will be entering the year with high expectations after being projected to finish first in the Sun Belt Preseason Coaches’ Poll. But Freidel isn’t worried about the outside noise around the Dukes. “I don’t give a sh*t about the expectations,” Freidel said. “We just got to show up and get better. Right now, we’re not going to meet our expectations if we don’t do that.” CONTACT Jackson Hephner at breezesports@gmail.com. For more men’s basketball coverage, follow the sports desk on X at @TheBreezeSports.

Entering his fifth year of college basketball, Freidel said that the game has slowed down as he’s gotten more comfortbale playing.

Head coach Mark Byington said he expects Freidel to have a “smoother“ second year, and that the Dukes will be relying on him more this season.

Thursday, November 2, 2023 | breezejmu.org

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Thursday, November 2, 2023 | breezejmu.org

Rising star Chloe Sterling ready to show ‘pitbull’ mentality as she moves into bigger role for Dukes By KAIDEN BRIDGES The Breeze Every morning, a “pitbull” on JMU women’s basketball is the first in the gym, working on her technique and consistency. That scrappy dog is sophomore guard Chloe Sterling, whose teammates refer to her as the “Pitbull” because of her fierce presence on the court. “[Whether] she’s guarding the best player, the quickest player or the smallest player, she’s just bringing that energy not all of us bring,” U.Va. transfer and redshirt junior guard Olivia Mullins said. Sterling said assistant coach Lexie Barrier came up with the nickname. She said while Barrier may not associate the nickname with Sterling’s performance on the court, it’s rather the consistent energy she brings. “Talking, whether it’s just goofy or talking trash, just when I’m being vocal, my energy is felt,” Sterling said. “After every practice, coach Lexie will say, ‘Yeah, you’re a pitbull,’ but at the start of practice, she’ll be like, ‘You’re just Pit right now.’ So like if she feels my energy throughout the whole practice, then I’m a pitbull, but if it feels maybe I wasn’t as vocal, not as loud, then it’s definitely ‘Pit.’” Head coach Sean O’Regan said Sterling’s nickname fits her well, and that she found her footing for the Dukes toward the end of last season, when JMU hosted Marshall at home for its senior night on Feb. 24. But the result was not what the Dukes wanted. With seven minutes and 24 seconds left, the Thundering Herd led by 20 points. O’Regan made the decision to sub all of his starters out and put in freshmen — one of them being Sterling. Though the Dukes fell to Marshall 71-58, Sterling finished the game with five points, two rebounds and a steal. She went on to have a role for the Dukes in the Sun Belt tournament, with O’Regan using her feistiness once again when JMU faced Marshall a week later in the quarterfinals. Sterling made her first tournament appearance with 41 seconds left in first quarter against the Herd. She was a nuisance for Marshall’s star player, then-junior guard Abby Beeman, holding

JMU assistant coach Lexie Barrier nicknamed sophomore guard Chloe Sterling “Pitbull” for her fierce, vocal energy on the court. Photos by Ryan Sauer / The Breeze

her to only two points the rest of the first half. After the Dukes won their rematch against Marshall 62-43, in which Beeman to 11 points and nine rebounds, O’Regan praised Sterling for her work with the Dukes’ defense. “I think Beeman is the head of their snake,“ O’Regan said March 3. “Chloe Sterling deserves a lot of credit, coming in there, kind of being annoying and staying up on her.” Earlier this week, when reminiscing on JMU’s final two games against Marshall last season, O’Regan recalled Sterling’s performance and how it set her up with strong momentum heading into this year. “When we went to the tournament game, we went in with that gameplan that we were definitely going to use her to annoy Beeman, and she did a great job with it,” O’Regan said. “I think it was really a catapult for her going into this year, and I’m proud of how she progressed.” With her improvements, O’Regan said he’s looking forward to seeing Sterling progress in her decision-making on the court while also being an efficient shooter. Sterling said she’s been working toward the goals O’Regan has given her, driven by her passion for basketball. “I love the game,” Sterling said. “I know that you can’t be perfect at the game, but you can always strive to be the best that you can, and that takes being in the gym and playing the game. I want to get better and do everything I can so that I can help my team win.” During her time as a Duke, Sterling has looked up to redshirt junior guard Jamia Hazell as a mentor. She said while they can be competitive and talk trash with each other during practice, she’s learned a lot from Hazell as a player and has plenty of respect for her. Hazell returned the same praise to Sterling, saying she’s seen Sterling put in the work as they are always in the gym practicing together. “That’s my dog,” Hazell said. “She’s a gym rat; she’s always in the gym shooting, and she’s a very hard worker. This could be a great year for her as a point guard. CONTACT Kaiden Bridges at breezesports@gmail.com. For more women’s basketball coverage, follow the sports desk on X @TheBreezeSports.

Sterling played a vital role for the Dukes in the Sun Belt tournament as she pestered Marshall’s then-junior guard Abby Beeman, helping JMU hold her to 11 points and nine rebounds.

Thursday, November 2, 2023 | breezejmu.org

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‘Head honcho’ Terrence Edwards manages expectations in expanded role By HAYDEN HUNDLEY The Breeze When redshirt junior guard Terrence Edwards was a freshman in 2020, he noticed former JMU guard Matt Lewis would always try to bring younger players on the team with him wherever he went. This year, Edwards has taken on the same role, mimicking the former 2020-21 CAA Player of the Year. “I can’t have a bad day anymore,” Edwards said. “Not being a young guy on the team anymore, if I have a bad day in class, I have to take all that stuff away and come to practice and get guys to come with me. I can’t leave by myself anymore.” Sophomore guard Xavier Brown noticed Edwards’ improvement in his leadership, praising how often he watches film and saying his selflessness is going to “carry the team a long way.” “Last year at the end of the season, he showed who he really was,” Brown said.

“All spring and summer long, he’s carried that chip on his shoulder, and that’s what everybody wants to see out of a player stepping into a role like that. Knowing he’s going to be the head honcho of the team, he’s the player that everybody’s going to be marking up and double teaming and game planning for.” Last season, Edwards set career-highs in points per game (13.3), steals (38), rebounds (162) and three-point percentage (45.8%) — JMU’s highest mark with over 70 attempts since sophomore guard Darius Banks in 2018-19 (49.3%). His development earned him a place on the All-Sun Belt Second Team and as the Sun Belt Sixth Man of the Year. This season, Edwards was the only Duke named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt First Team. With more expectations this season, Brown said Edwards has been “embracing” the attention he garnered from the selection. With junior forward Justin Amadi set to miss the entire 2023-24 season because of

Redshirt junior guard Terrence Edwards capped off a career year last season by being named Sun Belt Sixth Man of the Year. Breeze file photos

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Thursday, November 2, 2023 | breezejmu.org

lower body injury, Edwards is one of just three players who have been on the roster for four seasons, alongside junior forward Julien Wooden and senior guard Hollman Smith. Edwards, who has aspirations of making it to the NBA, is maturing in his game, he said. Head coach Mark Byington said there’s value to having a player in his system for so long, especially this year with the Dukes adding five transfers, replacing the roles of four graduates. Byington said Edwards will have to learn that there will be more pressure put on his shoulders this season, but he isn’t doubting his ability. Byington added that Edwards wants to have more roles added to his game and that he saw a glimpse of this in their off season trip in Italy, calling Edwards the Dukes’ best passer. “Terrence is a guy who knows every position on the court; he’s very versatile,” Byington said. “We’ll play him at point guard. We’ll play him at power-forward sometimes. He knows our system and he knows where expectations are.” Edwards describes himself as “comfortable being uncomfortable,” and takes pride in his ability to play a multitude of positions. He credits Byington for letting him try things that most people who play a particular position

don’t get to do. Despite the growing hype, Edwards won’t be the only player with a weight on his shoulders this season. The Dukes were predicted to win the Sun Belt Conference by the league’s coaches. At Sun Belt media day on Oct. 17 Byington said it’s “very rare” that the rankings end up being true. He used the example of last year’s regular season champions, Southern Miss, which was picked to finish last in the 2022-23 preseason polls. However, that doesn’t mean there still won’t be a target on JMU's back, at least per Edwards, who’s been preparing his teammates to be ready for “chirpiness and physicality.” “For things like that, you have to just put to the side because they could’ve picked multiple teams to be first,” Edwards said. “Be ready for them to play dirty. Just be ready for anything that comes our way because we know JMU is the team to beat in all of Sun Belt sports, whether it be football, baseball or soccer, it doesn’t matter, everyone wants to beat JMU.” CONTACT Hayden Hundley at hundlehf@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more men’s basketball coverage, follow the sports desk on X at @TheBreezeSports.

“Terrence is a guy who knows every position on the court.”

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Head coach Mark Byington

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Edwards describes himself as “comfortable being uncortable,” while head coach Mark Byington called him “very versatile.”

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IN ORBIT The Breeze's best shots from the 2022-23 basketball season

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Breeze file photo

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Kailey Garner / The Breeze

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HEY DUKES,

we want to let you in on a secret. The best place for banking isn’t a bank at all!

CommonWealth One is JMU’s trusted, full-service credit union, and student banking is better here. We’re conveniently located on campus and offer everything you might need financially as a student. What we don’t have? Excessive and unnecessary fees. When it comes to handling your finances as a student, we’ve got your back with:

Savings Account

Free Checking Account

Online & Mobile Banking

Low-Rate Loans

Financial Resources

The secret is out – CommonWealth One is here to help you thrive financially at JMU.

To open an account or learn more about JMU Student Perks, which include special events, free food and prizes, visit cofcu.org/DUKES or stop by our branch in The Union (next to the post office).

The Union (Next to the Post Office) Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

CW1 NPAD Student Orientation Collateral F221047-E.indd 1

@COFCU

@commonwealthone

JMU CommonWealth One

CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union

2/7/23 2:51 PM

Thursday, November 2, 2023 | breezejmu.org

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