Eagles Kick Off 2025-26 Season Against East Carolina Tuesday
Georgia Southern men’s basketball is set to commence the 2025-26 season on Tuesday evening, taking a trip to Greenville, North Carolina for a matchup against East Carolina. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. and will be available for viewing on ESPN.
Season Overview
Head coach Charlie Henry enters his third season leading the Eagles. Last year, the team finished with a record of 17-16, marking an impressive improvement from his initial season. Georgia Southern was particularly strong at home, achieving an 11-3 record at the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center. They kicked off last season with a thrilling 93-91 overtime win against North Florida on December 7, 2024.
Team Changes and Newcomers
The upcoming game will feature 13 newcomers wearing the Eagle uniform, with only Dwayne Williams Jr. and Nakavieon White returning from last year’s roster. Tyren Moore, a graduate guard, is also back with the Eagles after a transfer to UAB and a season with the Blazers. During his time at UAB, Moore played in 37 games and averaged 6.4 points, 1.9 assists, and 1.2 rebounds per game. Notably, he scored 22 points against Arkansas State and 16 points in a previous matchup against East Carolina.
Historical Context of the Matchup
This season marks the tenth encounter between Georgia Southern and East Carolina, and the seventh held in Greenville. East Carolina leads the all-time series with a record of 6-3. The last meeting occurred in 2023, where the Pirates triumphed over the Eagles with an 82-64 scoreline. Historically, the two teams have split their previous six encounters since 1977.
Preseason Expectations
Despite returning only two players from last season, Georgia Southern has been picked to finish 10th in the Sun Belt Conference preseason standings. This season, the Eagles will have to contend with eight of the nine teams predicted to finish above them, including matchups against formidable opponents like James Madison, Arkansas State, and Louisiana.
Notable Players
- Tyren Moore: Earned a spot on the Preseason All-Sun Belt First Team.
- Nakavieon White: Received Third Team honors, marking a significant achievement for the Eagles.
- Pavel Ridesic: The first player from Bosnia in Georgia Southern men’s basketball history, Ridesic stands at 6-foot-8 and 230 pounds.
This opening game offers Georgia Southern an early opportunity to establish momentum in the season. With a blend of new talent and strategic veterans, the Eagles hope to make a significant impact in the 2025-26 campaign against East Carolina.
