The Saint Augustine’s University men’s basketball team began a new era when the first official practice started at Emery Gymnasium on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014.
MarQus Johnson began his first season as head coach. He was a long-time assistant in the Triangle area, including four years at Saint Augustine’s University. Johnson was on the coaching staff when the Falcons won the 2010 CIAA Championship.
“As the first practice approaches I am both anxious and excited,” Johnson said. “This time of year brings its own level of excitement. Being a head coach and having the opportunity to lead my own program enhances that excitement.”
Johnson will guide a squad which includes seven lettermen. Forward Tashaun Stockdale (Sr./Poplar, SC) is the top returning scorer from a senior nucleus including guards Raheem Jolliffe (Fayetteville, NC), Tayron Gibson (Alexandria, VA) and John Koger (Greensboro, NC). The Falcons are predicted to finish sixth in the Southern Division after a 13-16 overall record last season, but they are prepared to prove the doubters wrong.
“I am excited to see the players continue to work hard, improve and gear up for a great season,” Johnson said.
The Falcons open the regular season at the MEC/CIAA Challenge in West Liberty, W. Va., on November 15-16. They will face West Liberty, the preseason top-ranked Division II team, on November 15 at 5:30 p.m. and Cheyney State on November 16 at 2 p.m.
