VIDEO | Brian Good Interview

Wingate, N.C.----The Wingate University men's basketball season gets underway this weekend at home, with the Bulldogs hosting the Kyle Honore Memorial Tip-Off Challenge sponored by Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Charlotte Monroe Friday and Saturday. Wingate will face Belmont Abbey Friday at 5 p.m., while hosting Converse Saturday at 5 p.m. The 'Dogs went 15-13 last season, with a 10-8 record in league play.

"It's been an exciting but somewhat challenging preseason as we have lots of new faces as well as returners who will get significant bigger roles in 23-24," head coach Brian Good says. "After losing over 60 percent of our scoring from last season, finding a rhythm offensively has been a work in progress but I really like the direction we are headed. On the flip side, with so many roles being up for grabs, the daily competitiveness has been outstanding. This team's focus has been to get better each day and I believe we have."

Preseason All-SAC honoree Donell Nixon will once again handle the point guard role for the Bulldogs. The leading returning scorer averaged 11.9 points per game last season, shooting 46 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range, while shooting 92 percent at the free throw line while handing out 117 assists with just 45 turnovers. "Donell will be counted on heavily to lead our team again from the point guard spot," Good says. "His experience will be of the utmost importance to this team. His ability to score is valuable but more importantly, he has the ability to get other players good shots."

Josh Massey will be another key factor in the back court. He averaged 10.5 points per game in his first season with the 'Dogs last year, shooting 50 percent from the field while also pulling down 3.6 rebounds per game and leading the team with 20 blocked shots. "Josh was obviously a very solid player for us last season but I doubt that anyone put in more work to improve than he did," Good says. "I think he has made strides not just offensively but defensively as well. I expect a great season from Josh."

Sean Elmore is back for his third season with the Bulldogs. He knocked down a team-best 57 threes last season, shooting 35 percent from beyond the arc while averaging 8.1 points per game. "Sean brings a long-range threat that can really heat up and change the complexion of a game," Good says. "His biggest value to our team is that we know he will give great effort on the defensive end coming up with the tough stop or the timely charge."

Vontrez Roberts will be the anchor down low for Wingate. He started the first 21 games of the season last year before a season-ending injury. Roberts averaged 7.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, shooting 64 percent from the field. "It's great to have Vontrez back from a season-ending injury last year," Good says. "Losing him really changed the momentum of last season. He will give us a low post scoring option as well as defense and rebounding. His most valuable skill is the enthusiasm and energy he brings on each possession."

The Bulldogs will turn to familiar faces and new faces for depth. "I expect returners Taylor Bell, Tyrese Barbour and Corbin Pack to have bigger contributions to this year's team," Good says. "Newcomers Kendall Taylor, Jordan Miller and Aaron Hall have adjusted quickly and be counted on as well."

After the season-opening weekend at home, the 'Dogs travel to Barton before returning home Nov. 22 to host Francis Marion. Wingate opens SAC play at UVA Wise Saturday, Nov. 25. The first SAC home game will be Sunday, Dec. 10, when the Bulldogs welcome Lincoln Memorial to Cuddy Arena.