Dukes working to make new roster cohesive

Just after stepping off the court Monday following a three-hour first practice of the 2024-25 season, new James Madison coach Preston Spradlin was excited that the work of truly beginning to mesh the Dukes into a cohesive unit had begun.

Few people are doubting JMUs talent, even after bringing in 11 scholarship newcomers.

The revamped Dukes roster is loaded with players who were big-time recruits originally signed to high-major programs and former mid-major all-conference players.

The first few weeks of practice could determine how well they all play together once the games begin.

Its really hard to get into a rhythm and build a lot of things when youre in those preseason sessions, Spradlin said.

Youre going three days a week.

Youre going with shorter practices.

Its really hard to build up on your habits.

But now weve got longer practices.

Were going to go five days a week.

Youve got more time to teach and youve also got time to go live and keep the competitive side of it.

Coming off a program-best 32-4 season under former JMU coach Mark Byington, now at Vanderbilt, the Dukes bring back one starter, Xavier Brown, and just one other scholarship player in backup post player Jerrell Roberson.

But Spradlin was happy with the way the first day of practice went, thanks in part to bringing along two key contributors from his previous school, Morehead State.

Former Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year Mark Freeman, who missed all of last season with an injury, is healthy and expected to be one of the leaders in a loaded JMU backcourt.

Spadlin also brought sophomore forward Eddie Ricks III from Morehead State.

Both stood out during the opening practice, not only with their ability to score and defend, but to help make sure practice ran smoothly.

In terms of picking it up, Id say the two guys from Morehead because theyve been through that with us before, Spradlin said.

They understand.

They know the execution, the adding plays, the defensive stuff.

Theyve been a part of it and theyve experienced success with it.

Freeman said he was thankful for the opportunity to play one more season of college basketball with Spradlin.

Weve got a whole new roster, Freeman said.

So its great figuring out the guys and getting to know them well.

The chemistry together has been good since the summer, and its all great for me after sitting out last year.

To be back out there, Im just so happy to be out there.

This is going to be my third year with the staff and Eddies second year, so when things come up we know where he wants it and when he wants it.

The Morehead pair knew Spradlin well even before arriving, but there are several other veterans on the JMU roster who adapted well thanks to their experience, including Brown and a pair of center transfers from high-major schools.

Ebenezer Dowuona, who came to JMU from Georgia Tech, and Seton Hall transfer Elijah Hutchins-Everett are each fifth-year players who give the Dukes size and experience.

I would say another guy thats going to really rise to the occasion is going to be a guy like X, Spradlin said.

Its going to be guys like (Dowuona) and Elijah.

They understand its go time.

They understand were six weeks away from playing another team when it counts and the clock is ticking on our opportunities to get better.

JMU opens the season Nov.

4 at home against Ohio as part of the MAC-Sun Belt Challenge..

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