PITTSBURGH, Pa. - November 9, 2023 - Chatham Men's Basketball, coming off its second PAC crown and second trip to the NCAA Tournament, would like to start off this season playing the way they did down the stretch and into last postseason: all-around team basketball on both ends of the floor.

In each of the Cougars' PAC Tournament games, the team had at least four players in double-figures, and a different player led the squad in scoring each time. Four returning members of that core were selected to this year's PAC Preseason Players to Watch list: seniors Simon Boyer and Geoffrey Helm and juniors Isaiah Smith and Blaine Gartley. 

"It's been great to have a ton of experience back from last year," said head coach David Richards. "They have done a great job of setting the tone for the season and helping our younger guys. Simon, Isaiah, Blaine and Geoff all played huge minutes and made countless big plays down the stretch and into the PAC Tournament. With 4 PAC games in November, we'll rely on their experience."

Adding to that core is a recruiting class of six freshmen and four transfers, including Elijah Sutton, who returns to Chatham as a graduate transfer after three seasons. Overall, Richards is pleased with the way the transfers have fit into the squad.

"We are very excited about our transfers. They picked up our offense and defense very quickly. They are all experienced players that provide us with a variety of different skill sets.  They understand how hard you have to work and compete to be a good team."

Last season, the Cougars played a tough non-conference schedule to prepare themselves for conference play, and Richards has continued that philosophy this season.

"We've had a very productive preseason. Practices have been very competitive. I think this will be our deepest team we've had yet. We have a great balance of experience and young talent. We have a great mix of shooting, playmaking and inside scoring. Our focus is on getting better each day. I think we've put together a challenging non-conference schedule to prepare us for the PAC schedule. The league is going to be very competitive this year."

The Cougars begin the season as hosts of the Chatham Tip-Off Classic, which will feature Carlow, Gwynedd Mercy and Mount Union. Mount Union, who Chatham will battle on Saturday, were the NCAA DIII runners-up in 2022-23, falling to Christopher Newport in the national title game.