Cheyney Men's Basketball Looks to Build on Foundation, Eyes Breakthrough Season in 2025-26

After taking a significant step forward in the 2024-25 campaign, the Cheyney University Men's Basketball program enters the new season with renewed energy, experience, and high expectations under Head Coach Jordan Bushrod.

The Wolves finished last year with a 6-20 record, the program's most wins since the 2019-2020 season, signaling tangible progress in the rebuild. "Last year we laid our foundation as to what winning basketball looks like on the court, in the community, and in the classroom," said Bushrod. "This year we have even bigger expectations and look forward to the continued growth and development of the program."

Experienced Core Returns

Cheyney returns a veteran group that powered much of last season's success. Joshua Blackmon, the team's leading scorer, headlines the returners alongside D'Angelo Lake, who ranked second in scoring and led the Wolves on the glass. Complementing them are key contributors Dajer Muldrow, Lavion Morales, Clyde Frasier, Samair Peterson, and Jason Young, giving the program one of its deepest returning cores in recent years.

Continuity is a welcome advantage in an era where roster turnover is common in college basketball. "We've got experience, leadership, and familiarity," Bushrod noted. "That matters in today's game."

New Faces, New Firepower

To bolster the roster, Cheyney adds six newcomers, five transfers, and one freshman expected to make an immediate impact.

• S.J. Hutchinson II, a senior guard from Wheeling University, averaged nearly 10 points per game and brings scoring versatility to the backcourt.
• Amare Curtis, an All-Region transfer point guard from Harford Community College, adds playmaking and leadership at the one.
• Eaton Smith, a senior forward from Principia College, averaged 11 points and nearly eight rebounds per game — including a historic performance where he went 18 for 18 from the field, tying the NCAA record for most field goals without a miss.
• Naadhir Wood, a 6'8" post player from Polk College, brings interior presence and rebounding depth.
• Emmanuel Carson, a 5'11 transfer point guard from Montreat College, brings elite playmaking skills and toughness
• Gabriel Altemus, the lone freshman, is a 6'7" stretch forward from North Penn whose versatility and size fit perfectly into Cheyney's evolving style of play.

The Road Ahead

Cheyney's 2025-26 schedule will test the Wolves early and often, featuring a mix of competition across all levels of college basketball. Yet, the program's mindset remains clear — to restore a proud tradition and achieve the first double-digit win season since 2014-15.

With a balance of returning leadership and new energy, the Wolves enter the year poised to continue their climb.

Men's Basketball opens the 2025-26 season on November 4th at Central Penn College.