Elon Men’s Basketball Hosts Emory & Henry in Friday Exhibition Game

ELON, N.C. – The Elon University men’s basketball team has its lone preseason tune-up on Friday night, Nov. 7, in Alumni Gym when the Phoenix hosts Emory & Henry at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for youth 12 and under. Listen to the game live on WPCM 95.1 FM/920 AM with Taylor Durham and John Roddey on the call. Pre-game coverage begins at 6:30 p.m.

ELON VS. EMORY & HENRY: In non-exhibition games, Elon and Emory & Henry have previously met six times on the hardwood, with each team taking three wins. The last time the two schools met was Jan. 29, 1930, at Emory & Henry when Elon pulled out a 31-30 win.

EXHIBITION GAMES: Elon has a 6-0 record in exhibition games under head coach Matt Matheny. Last season, the Phoenix topped Lynchburg, 100-57, in Alumni Gym. Five Phoenix players scored in double figures in the victory, including a game-high 17 points by Tanner Samson. Luke Eddy scored 15 points for Elon.

NEW LOOKS: The 2014-15 season marks one of newness for the maroon and gold. Elon begins its inaugural season in the Colonial Athletic Association this year. The Phoenix welcomes in five newcomers to the squad this year following the departure of four 1,000-point scorers in Jack Isenbarger, Lucas Troutman, Ryley Beaumont and Sebastian Koch. Elon will also don new uniforms this season.

PRESEASON PROGNOSTICATIONS: The CAA released its preseason men’s basketball poll on Oct. 21, as the league’s head coaches predicted the Phoenix to finish 10th in the league. Northeastern was picked as the preseason favorite while William & Mary’s Marcus Thornton earned nods as the preseason player of the year.

ELON ON THE BIG SCREEN: Elon will appear on television eight times this season, including four occasions in Alumni Gym. American Sports Network (ASN) will carry Elon’s home games against Florida Atlantic, Charlotte, William & Mary and Hofstra, in addition to road games at James Madison and Delaware. Elon’s game at Missouri on Dec. 11 will be broadcasted live on the SEC Network, while the Phoenix’s Dec. 15 matchup in Cameron Indoor Stadium vs. Duke will be carried on ESPNU.

A LOOK AT ELON: The Phoenix is coming off an 18-14 campaign in the Southern Conference under sixth-year head coach Matt Matheny. Elon welcomes back starters Austin Hamilton (6.2 ppg, 2.5 apg) and Tanner Samson (9.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg), while returning a total of 10 non-starters. Senior guard Kevin Blake (4.7 ppg) and senior forward Ryan Winters (3.0 ppg) join Hamilton to make up this year’s senior class. The Phoenix graduated one of the most decorated classes in school history, as four 1,000-point scorers depart in Lucas Troutman, Jack Isenbarger, Sebastian Koch and Ryley Beaumont. The team welcomes five newcomers to the squad this season, including Jack Anton (Fr., F, 6-8, 230, Cincinnati, Ohio), Elijah Bryant (Fr., G, 6-4, 225, Gwinnett, Ga.), Collin Luther (Fr., F, 6-6, 210, Pittsburgh, Pa.), Dmitri Thompson (Fr., G, 6-4, 195, Orlando, Fla.) and Jack George (Fr., F, 6-10, 210, Libertyville, Ill.).

STAFF ADDITIONS: J.B. Tanner was named Elon’s new director of men’s basketball operations on Sept. 4 following the promotion of Chris Long to assistant coach. Tanner spent the previous three seasons at UNCG at the team’s director of operations and is a 2009 graduate of North Carolina. Tanner helped the Tar Heels to a national title his senior season.

HEAD COACH MATT MATHENY: The 2014-15 season marks the sixth year at Elon for head coach Matt Matheny. Matheny enters this season with a career record of 77-82.

LOOKING AHEAD: Following Elon’s exhibition game vs. Emory & Henry, the Phoenix returns to Alumni Gym on Nov. 14 for opening night versus Florida Atlantic. Tip is scheduled for 8 p.m. and the game will be televised on American Sports Network (ASN).