Men’s Basketball Ready for 2024-25 Season

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. —  The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team is gearing up for its 2024-25 season on Saturday, November 2, when it faces off against Kenyon College at Ariel Arena. Tip-off is set for noon, and the Cougars are ready to hit the court in front of their home crowd.

The Cougars finished the 2023-24 season with an overall record of 14-14, going 4-14 in the Crossroads League play. As they approach the new season, they're positioned 8th in the Crossroads League Preseason Poll, aiming to climb the ranks and make some noise in the Crossroads League.

Jared Ronai's 2024-25 roster sees four fresh additions, featuring 6'3" guard Junior Kambomba (Brecksville HS), 6'4" guard Peyton Heiss (Jonathan Alder HS), 6'6" forward Isaiah Brown (Westerville Central HS), and 6'8" forward/center Mason Harvey (Seton Catholic HS). The added players provide MVNU with expanded depth and exciting potential to explore this season.

Key returner Trent Koning had a stellar sophomore campaign last season and landed himself on the Crossroads League Honorable Mention team with 15.1 points per game, 41.7% shooting, and 2.3 steals per game which was second in the Crossroads League.

Grad senior, Bailey Conrad also returns. The post averaged 11 points per game and 3.9 rebounds. Conrad stretched the floor for MVNU, shooting 45% from the floor and 35% from deep.

Seniors, Milton Gage and Carter Jones also return for Coach Ronai, and will provide invaluable leadership and playing experience for the team. Senior, Caleb Schall returns as well and is looking to bring leadership and provide extra spacing on the floor for MVNU.

With a mix of experienced returners and a talented incoming class, Coach Ronai's team is excited for what is ahead in 2024-25.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,000 students from 25 states and 11 foreign countries.