YSU Basketball: New Era Dawns for Penguins

Youngstown State's men's and women's basketball programs officially commenced practice on Monday, marking the start of the 2026-2027 season. The men's team, led by third-year head coach Ethan Faulkner, is embarking on a new era with a significantly revamped roster. Only one player from the previous season returns, complemented by 13 new additions. Faulkner emphasized the importance of players who love the game, prioritize the team, and possess a strong desire to win. Their nonconference schedule is particularly demanding, featuring opponents from multiple major collegiate conferences.

The women's team, coached by Melissa Jackson, presents a more stable lineup, returning seven players alongside new recruits. Jackson highlighted the strong returning core that has embraced the team's culture and is poised to guide the newcomers. The women's schedule also includes a challenging nonconference stretch, highlighted by a road game against USC. This matchup holds personal significance for Jackson, as the USC head coach, Lindsay Gottlieb, was her former coach. Both teams have several weeks to finalize their strategies and build chemistry before the regular season begins.