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Wingate, N.C.----The Wingate University Bulldogs get the 2022-23 season underway this weekend, traveling to Mars Hill for a pair of games in the Tip-Off Challenge. The 'Dogs face Belmont Abbey Friday at 5 p.m. and Converse Saturday at 5 p.m. on opening weekend. Wingate is coming off a 21-8 season in last year, going 17-7 in league play to finish fourth in the SAC standings.

The Bulldogs have plenty of firepower back last year's squad, with their top five scorers returning. Wingate was picked second in the preseason SAC poll, with four Bulldogs earning preseason all-conference accolades. Jarren Cottingham was a first team selection, Donell Nixon earned second team honors, while Sean Elmore and Andreas Wilson picked up third team accolades.

"Obviously, this preseason has had some unique challenges that we have never gone through before," head coach Brian Good says. "I am proud of how the team has handled themselves. We have grown closer as a unit and I expect that to pay great dividends this season. With returning so many important pieces from a 21-win team, we have lofty expectations of what we can accomplish. But I definitely feel that this team has some unfinished business. However, our daily goal of continued improvement remains the same."

POSITION BREAKDOWN

GUARDS

The point guard spot will be anchored by Nixon, who started all 29 games last season and played over 34 minutes per contest. He averaged 11.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, leading the 'Dogs with 130 assists and 51 steals while shooting 40 percent from three-point range and 85 percent at the line. "Donell is a true point guard that can be too unselfish at times," Good says. "He's a very good three-point shooter."

Cottingham will also play a huge role once again, earning first team All-SAC honors in each of the last two seasons. He also started all 29 games last season, leading the 'Dogs with 16.2 points per game while adding 4.7 rebounds per contest to go along with 84 assists and 47 steals. He shot 43 percent from the field and 79 percent at the line last year. "One of Jarren's biggest strengths has always been his ability to attack the rim," Good says. "He has also worked hard to improve his perimeter shooting this year."

Wilson is another preseason all-conference honoree, averaging 11.3 points per contest last season while knocking down a SAC-best 82 threes on 39 percent shooting, while also shooting 81 percent at the line and adding 29 steals and 27 assists. Wilson had six games with 20 or more points last year. "Andreas is a very good shooter that has the ability make shots in bunches," Good says. "He also became one of our most dependable perimeter defenders last season."

The Bulldogs showcase plenty of depth at the guard spot in Taylor Bell, Michael Bagnasco and Tyrese Barbour. "Taylor is probably our best on-ball defender that has the ability to play several positions," Good say. "Michael is a very good shooter who contributes daily to our improvement. Tyrese is a super quick point guard that can knock down shots."

WINGS

The wing spot is led by another preseason All-SAC selection in Elmore, who contributed 11.1 points per game last season, adding 3.2 rebounds per contest while knocking down 77 threes on 35 percent shooting from deep, adding 54 assists and 24 steals. "Sean is a solid perimeter shooter," Good says. "He does so many things that can help you win that don't always show up in the box score."

Destin Clark had an impressive season last year, averaging 9.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per contest, shooting 52 percent from the field while also handing out 62 assists. "Destin is one of our most versatile players," Good says. "He can score the ball, creates for others, and is one of our best rebounders."

Newcomer Josh Massey joins the Bulldogs after two seasons at Western Carolina, where he played 28 games in two years for the Catamounts. Josh is such a great addition to this group," Good says. "He gives us some much-needed size to our perimeter."

The 'Dogs have two more newcomers looking to make an immediate impact this season in Corbin Pack and Jaden Lingo. "Corbin is a very good shooter and is getting more comfortable each day," Good says. "Jaden can score the basketball in a variety of ways."

FORWARDS

Junior Vontrez Roberts leads the way in the post for the Bulldogs, averaging 5.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per contest last year on 47 percent shooting from the field. "Vontrez can score around the rim as well as step out," Good says. "He has worked really hard to improve since last season and it has shown."

Sasha Letino looks to play a key role in his second season with the Bulldogs, after appearing in 21 games during his freshman year, contributing 30 points and 25 rebounds while shooting 50 percent from the field. "Sasha is a very skilled player that keeps improving," Good says. "I expect his role to increase this season."

Newcomer Ahman Greenidge, along with Duvall Price and Justin Johnson will provide solid depth in the front court for the Bulldogs. "Ahman is strong and athletic and can defend multiple positions," Good says. "Price is a good shooter with size. Justin is a solid post defender and rebounder."

The 'Dogs will open the season by playing their first six games away from home, starting with this weekend's Tip-Off Challenge. Wingate then travels to Lander the following weekend, before heading to Florida Thanksgiving weekend to face Upper Iowa and Embry-Riddle. Wingate opens league play at Lenoir-Rhyne Dec. 3 before finally coming to Cuddy Arena Dec. 11 to host Coker. All home games and every SAC contest this season will air on FloSports.

WINGATE UNIVERSITY
 
Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a laboratory of difference-making that serves more than 3,400 students in North Carolina. Wingate offers 38 undergraduate majors as well as seven master's and four doctoral degrees. The University is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences; the Levine College of Health Sciences; the Byrum School of Business; the Thayer School of Education and the School of Sport Sciences. 

Wingate is a leader in healthcare education, and nearly one in five Wingate undergraduate students is preparing to be a pharmacist, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist or nurse. Student-athletes on Wingate's 25 teams compete in NCAA Division II and have brought home the SAC Echols Athletic Excellence Award for 14 years straight. The University's motto is "Faith, Knowledge, Service." View current news and videos at www.wingate.edu.