Wingate, N.C.----The Wingate University Bulldogs open the season this weekend, traveling to Barton for the 45 Second Classic. The Bulldogs will face Barton Friday at 7 p.m., then take on Mount Olive Saturday at 11 a.m. The 'Dogs head to Hickory next weekend for two more games, facing Lee Nov. 21 and West Virginia State Nov. 22. Wingate is coming off a 12-15 season, going 11-13 in league play. The 'Dogs captured the regular season SAC title in the 2023-24 season, going 22-9 overall with a 16-4 mark in league play.

Wingate has been picked to finish seventh in the preseason SAC poll, with Corbin Pack and Jordan Miller being named SAC Players to Watch. The Bulldogs have a solid mixture of returners and newcomers for the 2025-26 season. "Preseason has gone great," head coach Brian Good says. "Our newcomers have meshed well with returners. The energy and enthusiasm in our workouts have been very high level. We can't wait for the season to get started."

GUARDS

Miller and Pack lead the way as the returning guards, along with senior Jaden Lingo, redshirt sophomore Derek Bradley and redshirt freshman Stephen Quinn. They are joined by newcomers Alex Godley, Isaiah Vick and Nas Berry.

Miller and Pack are the leading returning scorers. Miller averaged 10.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game, while also piling up 65 steals on the season. Pack also scored 10.7 points per contest while knocking down 45 threes and shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc, while shooting 90 percent at the free throw line.

"Jordan is one of our leaders," Good says. "He brings so many qualities that help you win. Sets our defense and offense, and is just a great competitor. Corbin can really shoot the ball, obviously, but will need to bring us more than that this season. So far, he has shown he can do that.

Lingo and Bradley were key contributors for the 'Dogs last year as well. Lingo averaged 6.8 points per game, knocking down 27 triples while adding 42 rebounds, 23 assists and 11 steals on the season. Bradley contributed 6.2 points per contest, knocking down 20 threes while adding 39 boards and 20 assists. He scored 17 points in the SAC Tournament contest against LMU.

"Jaden is a veteran with lots of experience," Good says. "He has the ability to score the ball and make plays. Derek had some very good games for us last season and is one of our best on-ball defenders."

The four newcomers will also look to make an impact for the 'Dogs this season. "Alex brings a little bit of everything," Good says. He can score and create for others as well as defend and rebound. Stephen redshirted last season so has more experience than most freshmen. Along with being able to shoot at a high level, he has a good feel for the game. Isaiah gives us that long, athletic player that we needed on the perimeter. He plays with great energy and knows how to make plays. Nas is a point guard that can create for others as well as score. He's also one of our better on-ball defenders."

FORWARDS

The forwards include a pair of players that red shirted last year, along with three newcomers. The redshirts are Darius Carr and Gabe Tooper, who are joined by newcomers Jacori Owens, Kendall Campbell and Jayden Street.

"Darius has a great work ethic and gets better every day," Good says. "He is a physical player that we will need to be solid on defense and on the glass. Gabe brings lots of intangibles. He plays hard, defends, rebounds and brings great energy. Jacori brings size, defensive presence and basketball IQ. He can score the ball when needed as well. Kendall has all the tools to be a very good player in our league. He scores, rebounds and can create for others. He brings great energy as well. Jayden is a forward who can stretch the floor with his shooting ability. His length and athleticism will help us in the paint."

After opening the season with back-to-back weekends on the road, the Bulldogs play their first home game Saturday, Nov. 29, hosting Belmont Abbey at 2 p.m. The 'Dogs then open SAC play with three straight road contests at UVA Wise, Tusculum and Lincoln Memorial before hosting Lenoir-Rhyne Dec. 17.