Nine fresh faces have appeared for coach Antoine Pettway‘s second season in Kennesaw.
Just two years ago, the Owls put the college basketball world on notice with a run to the NCAA Tournament. Now, junior guard Simeon Cottle finds himself a the only remaining scholarship player from the historic 2022-23 season.
“(I’ve learned) getting out my comfort zone and learning how to approach people the right way,” Cottle said. “Last year I used to get down on myself or react a certain way and my teammates might not have taken it the right way. But I learned how to come at different people, because people take things different.”
Of the newcomers, seven are freshman and two are transfers. Two-time Georgia High School Association AAAAAA Player of the Year Braeden Lue is expected to be one of the prizes of the class. Adrian Wooley, who was ranked the second best high school prospect in Alabama is also expected to be an immediate contributor.
Other Freshman include big man Mekhi Turner, Cobb County product Ricky McKenzie from Wheeler high school, 6-foot-6 wing Ramone Seals, later addition Jamil Miller and walk-on Dozie Onyirimba.
“‘(The freshman) have been truly impressive,” Pettway said. “Those guys have come in working their tails off, no ego. They’re sponges. And we’re still young, it’s gonna take some ups and downs, we’re going to take some lumps. But I think if we stay the course with them and show patience and grace with this group, they’re are going to be guys that down the line are going to be special players for us.”
With the departure of Demond Robinson, the Owls brought in 6-foot-9 transfer Andre Weir from former conference rival Florida Gulf Coast. Weir started a majority of FGCU”s game as a sophomore, before missing most of last season with an injury.
Ricardo Wright is the Owls second transfer. The Fifth-year senior spent the first two years of his career at Marist, where he averaged 13.6 points per game as a sophomore. Wright spent the last two seasons coming off the the bench for Southern Methodist, notably shooting 37% from three last season.
“I have nothing but great things to say about Andre and Ricardo,” Pettway said. “We did a great job in the portal going and getting our type of dudes. Those are our type of guys. They’ve been phenomenal from start to finish. I’m excited about those two.”
Rongie Gordon and Frankquon Sherman each to return to the roster after playing primarily bench roles in 2023-24. Guard Chase Clemmons returns after redshirting last season and walk-ons Eric Holland and Charles Stone enter their junior seasons. Delaney Heard, another walk-on who missed all of last season due to injury is expected to log his first minutes as an Owl.
Sophomore guard and last-years prized recruit RJ Johnson will miss the entire season with a shoulder injury.
The Owls will tip-off their season at the Convocation Center against in-state opponent Toccoa Falls, Tuesday at 7:00p.m.
