Francis Marion University Patriots Set for Promising Basketball Season Amid Preseason Poll Predictions

Francis Marion University Patriots Predicted to Pursue Success in Upcoming Basketball Season

FLORENCE, S.C. – The Francis Marion University Patriots men’s basketball team is gearing up for the 2024-25 season, having been predicted to finish fourth in the Conference Carolinas Preseason Coaches’ Poll. This positioning highlights an exciting opportunity for the team to improve upon last year’s results, where they recorded a solid performance.

Season Overview

The UNC Pembroke Braves have emerged as the preseason favorites, following their success as reigning East Division champions. They secured the title in 2024 and have additionally clinched two consecutive regular-season championships. The Braves received a remarkable 13 first-place votes, accumulating a total of 195 points and solidifying their status as the team to beat in the conference.

Team Rankings

In the rankings, Chowan University claimed the second position, receiving one first-place vote and a total of 176 points. Emmanuel University sits in third with 160 points, while Francis Marion University follows closely in fourth with 147 points, including the remaining first-place vote from the coaches.

The complete list of predicted standings includes:

• 1. UNC Pembroke – 195 points
• 2. Chowan University – 176 points
• 3. Emmanuel University – 160 points
• 4. Francis Marion University – 147 points
• 5. Converse University – 128 points
• 6. Lees-McRae College – 127 points
• 7. Young Harris College – 123 points
• 8. Barton College – 115 points
• 9. Belmont Abbey College – 103 points
• 10. King University – 79 points
• 11. University of Mount Olive – 78 points
• 12. North Greenville University – 54 points
• 13. Southern Wesleyan University – 32 points
• 14. Shorter University – 31 points
• 15. Erskine College – 27 points

Returning Players and New Additions

Head coach Jake Zehnder, now in his third season, is bringing back a strong core of players. Among the four returning lettermen are two starters from last year’s team, which concluded the season with a record of 15-13 and claimed third place in the East Division. The team’s journey in the conference tournament ended in the quarterfinals.

Key returning players include:

• Horaces Jacques Jr. (sophomore point guard) – 10.7 points and 4.2 assists per game
• Adonis Cole (junior swingman) – 5.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game
• Ibrahim Wattara (senior forward) – 9.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game

This year’s recruitment strategy has also introduced new talent, consisting of four freshmen and five transfers. Noteworthy transfers include junior guard Jordan Simpson and junior forward Latavian Lawrence from South Carolina State University, as well as junior forward Jordyn Surratt from USC Upstate.

Upcoming Schedule

The Patriots will kick off their season on Friday, November 8, at 3:30 PM, facing off against USC Beaufort during the Conference Carolinas/Peach Belt Conference Challenge in St. Augustine, Florida. The two-day event will conclude with Francis Marion taking on Flagler College on Saturday at 3:30 PM.

Francis Marion fans are particularly eager for the home opener, marked for November 13 against Columbus State University at 7:30 PM, which is anticipated to be a crucial match early in the season.

These preseason predictions, based on inputs from the conference’s head coaches, create an enthusiastic atmosphere for Francis Marion University as they aim for a successful season ahead.