GLENSIDE, Pa. - After nearly a full calendar year since their last competition, the Arcadia University men's basketball team returns to Alumni Gymnasium Thursday night to tip off its 2021 season and build on the success of the 2019-20 season.
Related: 2021 Men's Basketball Schedule | 2021 Men's Basketball Roster
The Knights last took to the hardwood against Lycoming College in the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Commonwealth Championship on February 29 of last year. After finishing the season with a 16-11 overall record, the men fell to the Warriors, 68-64, to conclude their 2019-20 campaign. After making the move to the MAC Freedom this year, the Knights will match-up against several new opponents in this covid-shortened season.
The men's basketball program is slated to open its 2021 schedule at home on Feb. 11 against Delaware Valley University. The Knights are also scheduled to battle Wilkes, DeSales, Lycoming and Widener over the course of the five-week regular season. The week of March 15-21 has been designated for a conference championship week, however, the format remains to be determined.
"We are extremely excited to be able to compete in the sport that we love," said second-year head coach Adam Van Zelst. "Our program can't thank Arcadia's administration, support staff, and athletic trainers enough for giving us this opportunity. This group truly enjoys being around each other and competing everyday. We look forward to competing against different opponents starting Thursday."
The Knights return the program's all-time leading scorer
Da'Kquan Davis for his senior campaign after he led the MAC Commonwealth with 27.0 points per game last season. The guard capped off a historic season with his second-straight D3Hoops.com All-Region selection and second MAC Commonwealth All-Conference First-team honor. Davis scored 20 or more points in 23 of his 27 games played, including 12 straight games to end the season.
Arcadia also returns
Justin Money and
Jacob Walsh, both of which started the majority of games last season for the Knights. Money finished third on the team in scoring with 7.4 points per game, while Walsh was fourth on the squad with 6.9 points. Walsh joins Davis as the men's team captains for the 2021 season.
DJ Gardner and
Jalen Watkins will provide key minutes for the Knights after losing four seniors last season. Gardner excelled in his role as a three-point specialist, shooting a team-best 51.2 percent (21-for-41) from beyond the arc. Watkins made a significant impact on both sides of the floor with 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 0.78 blocks per game.
The program welcomes aboard six newcomers this season.
Jared Chambliss,
Gabe Kier, and
Shayne Rechner join the team as transfers, while
Josh Stehle,
Kylil Turner, and
Jadon White look to make an impact during their rookie campaigns.
As the season progresses you can stay up-to-date with the Knights at ArcadiaKnights.com or by viewing the composite basketball schedules on www.gomacsports.com on the men's basketball sport page.
