Men's Basketball 10/24/2024 1:16:00 PM

OAKWOOD MEN'S BASKETBALL 2024-2025 PREVIEW

Huntsville, Ala. – Long before last season was over, Oakwood University men's basketball coach Simon Jacob knew changes had to be made.

The year before, the Ambassadors managed only four wins. Then, last season, they began the year with 11 straight losses enroute to a 1-27 record. While he didn't convey it to anybody, mentally, Jacob had reached some conclusions on how he wanted to move forward.

After the season was over, Jacob hired Darryl Butterfield. Jacob and Butterfield, along with Oakwood softball coach Bob Harris, had formed a successful partnership, leading Oakwood to two United States Collegiate Athletic Association national championships, the last one coming in 2019.

Jacob also hired Chris Phillips to improve an offense that has struggled each of the last two seasons.

With 11 returners, six newcomers and two new assistants, Jacob is hoping the changes will help the Ambassadors be more competitive this season.

"I believe the changes and the sizeable increase in talent will translate into more wins," Jacob said.

Seniors Brian Wilson, Nicholas Kennard, Steve Aroh, Khari Person and Jaywill Thornton will be counted on to provide veteran leadership, according to Jacob.

Kennard is Oakwood's top returning scorer after averaging 9.4 points last season. Williams is arguably the Ambassadors' most versatile player, while Thornton is talented offensively.

Newcomer Jordan Bell, a 6-foot-6 power forward, is a freak athlete, Jacob says, while Jordan Hill, another newcomer, a small forward, is a slasher that can play inside or out.

Sophomore guard Jeray Randle could be one of the Ambassadors' top scorers, while freshman point guard Chase Jackson, who played locally at Sparkman High School, has a chance to be special, according to Jacob.

"Jeray has had a great preseason," Jacob said. "He has been shooting the ball extremely well. Chase has a high IQ and makes good decisions."

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Players Mentioned

#5 Nicholas Kennard: SG; 6' 2"; Junior

#14 Steve Aroh: SG; 5' 11"; Junior

#0 Jaywill Thornton: G/F; 6' 3"; Junior

#11 Khari Person: SG; 6' 3"; Junior

#2 Jordan Bell: PF; 6' 6"; Senior

#12 Jeray Randall: SG; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#55 Chase Jackson: PG; 5' 8"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#5 Nicholas Kennard
: 6' 2"; Junior
: SG

#14 Steve Aroh
: 5' 11"; Junior
: SG

#0 Jaywill Thornton
: 6' 3"; Junior
: G/F

#11 Khari Person
: 6' 3"; Junior
: SG

#2 Jordan Bell
: 6' 6"; Senior
: PF

#12 Jeray Randall
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: SG

#55 Chase Jackson
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: PG