YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University (YSU) basketball has thrived on leveraging the transfer portal in recent years. Under former head coach Jerrod Calhoun, YSU brought in five transfers ahead of the 2022-23 season, a campaign in which the Penguins won their first-ever Horizon League regular-season championship. Last season, they recruited eight more transfers and finished as the regular-season runner-up in the conference.
For upcoming 2024-25-season, YSU’s roster is a blend of seven returning players and nine newcomers, including seven from transfer portal. Building team chemistry with such a mix of old and new faces is a key priority for new head coach Ethan Faulkner, as the team began official practices Monday at the Beeghly Center.
“I think we’ve got great depth, versatility, and unique size,” Faulkner said. “As coaches, we need to ensure we’re doing everything to allow these guys to play to their strengths and strategically put them in positions to succeed.”
In the modern era of college basketball, where the transfer portal plays a significant role, YSU has developed a recruitment strategy that focuses on acquiring players with proven production. Faulkner, who stepped into the head coaching role earlier this year, is confident in this approach.
“We’ve really attacked the transfer portal, bringing in players who have demonstrated success at our level,” Faulkner explained. “This year, we also tapped into the NAIA and junior college ranks. It’s worked well for us, and I don’t see the portal disappearing anytime soon. We’ve adapted to this era, and it’s been fruitful.”
Even with several new faces, depth will not be an issue for YSU. Seven players have significant Division I experience, and three others bring valuable experience from the junior college level.
“I’m really excited about our depth,” Faulkner said. “We may not have a standout like Dwayne Cohill or Adrian Nelson, but I believe we have a balanced roster from top to bottom. We’ve got talent spread across positions, and that will serve us well.”
Faulkner has also emphasized his commitment to maintaining the fast-paced, up-tempo style that has defined YSU in recent years. In the 2022-23 season, the Penguins boasted the fifth-best scoring offense in the nation, averaging 81.9 points per game. Last season, they ranked 24th with a nearly identical average of 81.2 points per game.
“We’re staying consistent with our offensive philosophy,” Faulkner said. “We’ve had great success with it, and we’ll continue to emphasize playing well in transition, reading defenses, and creating advantages. The key is helping our players maximize their strengths.”
As YSU’s newcomers and returnees work to build chemistry, finding the right balance and cohesion will be essential for another strong finish in the Horizon League.
“We’re capable of achieving anything we set our minds to,” said fifth-year transfer guard Nico Gallette. “Our main goal is to reach the tournament. As a team with players from different places, we’re coming together through basketball and finding our unity.”
As practices continue, YSU’s ability to blend its mix of talent, experience, and energy will be central to its success in the 2024-25 season.
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