VIDEO | Jarren Cottingham Interview 

Wingate, N.C.----The Wingate University Bulldogs open the 2021-22 season this weekend, traveling to Spartanburg for the Tip-Off Challenge hosted by Converse. Wingate will take on Belmont Abbey Friday at 5:30 p.m., then face Converse Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The Bulldogs are coming off an 11-9 season in the shortened 2020-21 campaign, going 10-8 in league play.

Wingate returns six of its top nine scorers from last year's team, led by preseason first team All-SAC honoree Jarren Cottingham. The Bulldogs have plenty of experience, with three players getting set for at least their fifth season of college basketball.

The Bulldogs are also excited to get back to a normal schedule this season after the shortened slate last year. "It has been nice to return to normalcy and have a true preseason this year," head coach Brian Good says. "The guys have put in some great work with conditioning and strength training as well as our individual skill development."

With the solid mixture of experience and newcomers, the Bulldogs are looking to continue to gel together as a unit. "I like where we are as a team, but we still have plenty of work to do," Good says. "We added several new guys and that always takes some time."

"Our goal is simple: to become the best team we can be by continuing to improve every day," Good says. "So far we have made great strides. If we can maintain that focus, I am excited to see how successful this season can be."

GUARDS

The Bulldogs are loaded with experience and quality scoring abilities in the back court, led by Cottingham, who averaged 17.4 points per game last season on 48 percent shooting from the field, knocking down 37 percent of his threes and 77 percent of his free throws. The senior led the team with 64 assists and 35 steals, while pulling down 4.0 rebounds per game.

Donell Nixon had a great start to the season last year, averaging 10.3 points and 3.0 assists per game through four contests. He was shooting 58 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range before suffering a season-ending injury. Andreas Wilson contributed 10.0 points per contest last season, ranking second on the team with 41 triples while shooting 38 percent from distance.

The Bulldogs also have newcomer Sean Elmore in the back court, along with sophomore Taylor Bell, who appeared in 18 of the games last season and contributed 22 points on the year.

"Obviously we will count on Jarren heavily," Good says. "My challenge for him is to affect the game on the defensive end like he does on offense. It's really nice to have Donell back. He is a true point guard that makes other guys better. Andreas really came into his own last year, on both ends. While it was easy to see his ability to make shots, what I thought was just as valuable was his improvement defensively. Sean is a great addition. He can do a little bit of everything that helps teams win. Taylor might be our best on the ball defender."

WINGS

The wing position will once again be anchored by Rashaard Pringle, who averaged 6.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season, shooting 40 percent from the field while adding 12 blocked shots. Destin Clark appeared in all 20 games in his first year as a Bulldogs, notching 4.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest on 49 percent shooting from the field. Avern Montaque and Elijah Thomas will also see time at the wing position this season.

"Rashaard's most valuable asset might be the energy that he brings every day," Good says. "I anticipate a more consistent year now that he is healthier. Destin really improved last season. His size and strength allow him to get to his spots and will help us on the glass. Avern has had a great preseason. I expect him to compete for minutes this season. Elijah is learning every day and improving. He brings a ton of effort in all areas."

POSTS

The Bulldogs have solid depth in the post, led by Quantra Taylor, who started 14 games last season, contributing 5.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game on 73 percent shooting from the field. Vontrez Roberts returns after missing all of last season due to injury. He appeared in 25 games in the 2019-20 season, averaging 3.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per game in just under 12 minutes per contest as a freshman. Wingate also has newcomer Sasha Letino looking to play a role in the post this season.

"For the first time in a while, we have depth in the post," Good says. "Quantra is the most familiar face. We know he brings a physical presence in the paint and the ability to get tough rebounds. It's great to have Vontrez back. He was missed last season. He can score on the block and defends with great effort. Sasha is another new addition that is learning his way. He has a great skill set and a very bright future."

SCHEDULE

After the season-opening tournament this weekend in South Carolina, the 'Dogs hit the road for SAC play next Wednesday, traveling to Hickory to take on Lenoir-Rhyne. Wingate's first home game is Saturday, Nov. 20, hosting LMU at 4 p.m. The Bulldogs have a four-game home stand in December, hosting Limestone, Catawba, Tusculum and Queens in a 15-day span. The regular season concludes Feb. 26 with a trip to Queens. The SAC Tournament starts March 2, with the semifinals and finals slated for March 5 and 6 at Timmons Arena on the Campus of Furman University.