The University of Tennessee at Martin men’s basketball team is gearing up for an exciting season under the leadership of head coach Ryan Ridder. After a successful campaign last year, where they won 19 games and finished third in the Ohio Valley Conference, the Skyhawks are ready to take the next step. With a mix of returning players and talented newcomers, UT Martin is poised to make a splash in the OVC standings.
Coach Ridder is thrilled with the progress the team has made and the foundation they have built. He believes that the key to their success lies in their off-court chemistry and the character of the players they have recruited. The Skyhawks play an exciting and up-tempo style of basketball, but they also prioritize defense and rebounding. Ridder is confident that this year’s team has the athleticism and toughness to excel in these areas.
The returning starters, Jordan Sears and KK Curry, have already received Preseason All-OVC accolades. Sears, a junior guard, was a standout last season, leading the team in points and assists. Curry, a senior forward, was a force on the court, ranking third in field goal percentage and eighth in rebounding in the OVC. The backcourt is further strengthened by the return of senior Desmond Williams and redshirt junior Koby Jeffries. In the frontcourt, juniors Jalen Myers and David Kamwanga provide experience and depth.
The Skyhawks have also added some impressive newcomers to their roster. Issa Muhammad, Christian Fussell, and Yassin Hussein bring size and skill to the team. Muhammad, a 6-9 forward, was a highly ranked junior college prospect and had a strong season at New Mexico State. Fussell, a 6-10 forward, contributed to Middle Tennessee’s success over the past two seasons. Hussein, a 6-9 forward, showcased his talent with the Egyptian National Team and had a solid season at Lake Land College.
UT Martin has also bolstered its guard position with the addition of Jacob Crews, Justus Jackson, and Sebastian Mendoza. Crews, a 6-8 wing, was a junior college All-American and a scoring machine at Daytona State College. Jackson brings Division I experience from his time at Hawai’i, and Mendoza had an impressive season at San Bernardino Valley College.
The Skyhawks have high expectations for the upcoming season, and Coach Ridder believes they have the talent and depth to compete at a high level. With a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, UT Martin is ready to make a statement in the OVC. The team is excited about the opportunity to showcase their skills and build on the success of last season. Fans can expect an exciting brand of basketball and a team that plays with passion and determination. Get ready for an action-packed season with the UT Martin Skyhawks!