WICHITA, Kan. – The Friends University Falcons are gearing up for head coach Phil McClintock's second season at the helm, which begins at home tomorrow night (Oct. 25) vs. William Woods University inside the Garvey Center.
The Falcons ended the 2023-24 season on a high note, routing Avila University 80-54 on Senior Night and are hoping that winning feeling carries over into the new campaign.
"I'm very excited for year two," said McClintock. "Our first year didn't go as planned but we like who we bring back and feel good about our recruiting class. Taking the step to make the conference tournament is definitely our first goal. Finishing in the top four and hosting a tournament game would be an extended goal. We have a lot of work to do before either of those but can't wait to see what this team can accomplish."
The Falcons return two starters from McClintock's first team, highlighted by All-KCAC honorable-mention performer KJ Spiller. In his first season with the program, Spiller posted a team-high 15.6 points per game and was second on the team with 5.6 rebounds. A dynamic scorer at all levels, Spiller crossed the 20-point threshold nine times last season and should be primed and ready to handle another big scoring load this year.
"KJ has come into this season with a completely different comfort level on campus and it shows," said McClintock. "He is in shape and taking a leadership role in the program. We expect a big year from him."
Both Kee'on Hutton and Collin Maclin dealt with injuries last year but showed plenty of potential while on the court and should play significant roles for the Falcons in the upcoming campaign.
A veteran trio of Al Emerllahu (27 games, 8.4 ppg), Christian Williams (25 games) and Eastyn Ruffin (15 games) also return after seeing substantial time on the court last season.
"Kee'on has been playing really well so far and is healthy after his knee injury last season," McClintock noted. "Collin has looked comfortable at the PG spot and will make an impact there. Al has a lot of experience the last two years and will make an impact at the post spot this year."
Paramount to any new coaching staff is a solid flow of impact newcomers, and McClintock believes he has eyed several newcomers that can step and fill a key role right away.
"Ring Deng and Randy Woolf are two transfers who are coming off a national championship at Dallas North Lake," said McClintock. "Ring is a forward with guard skills who is an elite defender on the ball. Randy is a do it all guard who will play multiple positions for us. Cahlese Lee is a high-level shooter and athlete on the wing from NOC-Enid who can score at three levels. Josh Price is a transfer from Rogers State who can really shoot it and has been a leader for us. Dannon Lundy will play the post spot for us and is someone who can go get a bucket inside. Lastly, Owen Evans redshirted last year but is an elite shooter and will look to crack the rotation as a redshirt freshman."
Following tomorrow's season opener vs. William Woods, the Falcons will play a pair of games in Ottawa, Kan. vs. Kansas Christian and Calvary University the weekend of Nov. 1-2.
KCAC action begins on Nov. 16 at Evangel University, with the conference home opener scheduled for Nov. 23 vs. York University.
"I'm excited about the schedule this season," said McClintock. "We play William Woods twice which is where I was a graduate assistant at from 2010-2012 so I look forward to returning to Fulton for that one. We go to Ottawa for the Andy Carrier Memorial Basketball Classic early in the season which will be special to honor my college coach in those games. We host Hastings College who made the national tournament last year so they will be a challenge. We also got another exhibition with Wichita State on December 29th. That will be a great tune up after Christmas and I feel like we are lucky to compete against a team at the highest level."
Below are a few notes on the Falcons' season-opening contest vs. William Woods tomorrow night:
The Dish on William Woods: The William Woods University Owls were 12-16 overall last season but posted a 10-4 record in the American Midwest Conference. William Woods returns their top two scorers from last year in Henry Shannon III (11.3 ppg) and Nate Schwartze (11.0). Shannon III also led the Owls in rebounding in the 2023-24 season, while Francis Okwuosah is back after averaging 6.2 rebounds and 8.6 boards in conference play.
The Series: This is the first meeting on record between Friends and William Woods. As McClintock noted, the two schools will meet twice this season, with the next meeting set for Dec. 17 in Fulton, Mo.
Season Opening Numbers: The Falcons are 3-7 in their 10 past season opening games.
