Featured image by: Dan Parker

Videos by: Brett Nweeia

Both the UNF Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams met with the local media to discuss the outlook for the upcoming season and what to expect from both squads.

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“Stay in your lane”

That’s this year’s team motto for UNF Men’s Basketball, according to UNF Men’s Basketball Head Coach Matthew Driscoll, with four of their starting five in this year’s senior class. 

After going 16-17 (9-7 ASUN) last season and reaching the ASUN Conference Semifinals, the Birds of Trey look to advance to the finals with arguably Coach Driscoll’s most talented senior class since he has coached at UNF. 

“We’re going to defend and we’re going to rebound at a high level and we’re going to do it consistently,” guard Garrett Sams said. 

Sams, who was selected to the preseason all-conference team, joins Ivan Gandia-Rosa and Wajid Aminu with preseason honors. Aminu, the reigning ASUN Defensive Player of the Year, was voted as the preseason Defensive Player of the Year for this upcoming season. 

“When we get to the reality of March, their character will show through and when talent is equal, character will dominate victory,” Coach Driscoll said. 

The Ospreys first matchup of the season is in Gainesville on November 5, as they take on the Florida Gators, who are sixth in the Top 25 preseason rankings. 

UNF’s Women’s Basketball team is eager to begin the season in just two weeks. Head Coach Darrick Gibbs looks forward to their season opener against Wisconsin.

“…because it kicks off the season. We’re excited. We’ve worked really hard to get to this point. Our progress has been pretty solid throughout. We didn’t care who it was or where it was, just getting the season kicked off,” Coach Gibbs said.

The UNF Women’s Basketball team finished 15-14 (10-8 ASUN) and made it to the ASUN Conference Semifinals against Liberty.

Several key players from last season are returning to the team including senior Adrienne Jackson and redshirt-junior Jazz Bond. Expect to see some new players on the court with South Carolina transfer Victoria Patrick and freshman Emma Broermann.

Junior, Tiffany Tolbert is expected to make her long-awaited comeback in the team’s opener. Tolbert has not played in a game since early last season when she suffered a season-ending injury at practice. 

“My mental strength has grown so much… It really helped me mature on the court. So, I feel like I’m growing as a player. It definitely helped me out,” Tolbert said.

The Ospreys’ Women’s Basketball team will travel to Madison, Wisconsin to kick their season off against the Wisconsin Badgers on November 5. 

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