FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Fayetteville Tech’s men’s basketball team has announced its roster for the 2021-22 season, releasing an 18-player squad rich with young talent.
The Trojans begin the regular season Nov. 8 on the road against NCAA Division III Methodist University’s JV team.
The Trojans, who are coming off their second straight regional quarterfinal appearance, have just three returners from last year.
Guards Chance Minott and Adam Carey both return to the backcourt, along with fellow guard George Jones Jr., who is back for a third season with the Trojans thanks to the NJCAA’s blanket eligibility waiver for last year’s COVID-shortened season.
“Our new players have good leadership and good guys to look up to,” coach Brian Hurd said. “But the younger players are setting their own goals. They’re open to what the coaches are saying and have bought into our culture that how we work is how much we’ll succeed.”
Post player Michael Okoye, a 6-foot-8 transfer from Kilgore College, rounds out FTCC’s sophomore class.
In addition to the three returning guards, the Trojans’ backcourt will be fleshed out with nine newcomers.
The Trojans will see the most turnover in the frontcourt, with no returners and seven new options available in the post.
“Having so many new players gives us some inexperience for sure,” Hurd said. “But the benefit is that those players don’t come in with any expectations. They have to put their feet to fire everyday and get game-experienced as fast as possible.”
Fayetteville products guard Jase Ford (Overhills High School) and forward Javonnie Barker, who was named a McDonald’s All American Nominee at Fayetteville Christian School, join the Trojans.
At 6-foot-4 each, twin brothers Jeremee Bryant and Jamauri Bryant from Washington, N.C., will bring height around the perimeter, playing the wing position.
Guard D.J. Squire, who opted to red shirt last season, moves up to the active roster. Daniel Greene, Ke Edwards, Jalen Hinton, Jordan McPhatter and Aaron Potter also join the Trojans’ backcourt.
Florida-raised twin brothers Dalton Juden and Fred Juden, who are 6-foot-6 and 6-foot-7, respectively, are expected to feature prominently in the Trojans’ inside game, as are Okoye and Barker.
Out-of-state freshman Dylan Orschell (Myrtle Beach, S.C.) and Josiah Ricks (District Heights, Md.) round out the roster at the small forward position.