Local media from around the tri-state packed into Truist Arena on Tuesday morning to get a look at this season’s men’s and women’s basketball teams. Media was treated to a viewing of both men’s and women’s practices, as well as interviews with players from both teams and a press conference with the head coaches. 

The men were the first to take the podium, as Sam Vinson, LJ Wells and Trey Robinson all gathered to answer questions. Vinson was first asked if he saw his role being different now that Marques Warrick left for Missouri in the transfer portal and he said he saw a similar role for himself.

“Be a leader to the team. Do all the right things, make a lot of winning plays, help others get better,” said Vinson.

Trey Robinson is coming back for his fifth year of eligibility, as part of the COVID-19 regulations. He was asked what factored into the decision to return for this final run.

“There’s nothing better than going to that tournament [Horizon League tournament], winning and playing in March Madness. So that’s always been my motivation, just to win and get back to there,” Robinson said. 

The Norse are on a quest for another Horizon League championship after coming up short last season. The players are very confident they can get right back to their winning ways thanks to the roster they have this season.

“I think mainly for us, just how deep we are,” Vinson said. “We got so many guys that can go out there and make plays and we got so many guys that can play, get on the court, give us minutes.”

Vinson is coming off a season-ending knee injury last year and made sure to assure the media that his healing has been a journey, but that it’s progressing in the right way.

“For me, it’s just keeping level-headed. I mean, I know I’m going to get there eventually, and if I’m not there today, maybe tomorrow,” said Vinson.

The players were followed by Head Coach Darrin Horn, who is leading the Norse into his sixth season as head coach. He said that his goal since he started has been to challenge the team before conference play so they are ready when it comes along. This year is no different, as NKU will face tough matchups, opening the season with Florida State and nationally-ranked Purdue coming on that Friday to round out the week.

“We don’t shy away from that. Those are the kind of games we want to play,” Horn said.

Horn mentioned the depth with this team will be important because Vinson and Robinson will be able to be more impactful with more rest throughout the game. He credited the eight returners he will have on the team this year, one of those being forward Keeyan Itejere. Horn said he loves the progression he has seen from him coming off of an injury.

“We’re not going to play anyone this year that’s going to be more athletic at that spot than he is,” Horn said. “I think what he’s adding more than anything is confidence.”

After Horn, it was the women’s turn to take the podium. For the players’ portion,  returners Mya Meredith and Macey Blevins took the mic, as well as new freshman Anna Hamilton and IU Indy transfer Jaci Jones. Jones talked about the great competitiveness her and Hamilton have.

“When we’re off the court, we’re good friends and on the court, we just compete,” Jones said. 

Hamilton echoed those sentiments, adding that Jones has been a key part of her development.

“As a freshman, Jaci kind of took me under her wing,” Hamilton said “It’s nice having her there.”

Jones is one of two transfers from IU Indy that are joining the Norse, along with Abby Wolterman. Jones, an Indiana native, has enjoyed the process of acclimating herself to the area.

“It’s been exciting since I got here,” Jones said. “I found a positive environment around me, good coaching staff, learning what they want from me and from our teammates, contributing to my team whenever I can invest leadership, passing the ball, shooting, whatever I need to do for my team.”

The transfers aren’t the only new part of this women’s basketball team. NKU is led this year by Head Coach Jeff Hans, a very well-known and respected coach in Northern Kentucky for his historic career as head coach of Thomas More and assistant coach at NKU under Nancy Winstel. Hans praised local product Anna Hamilton for being vocal despite being just a freshman.

“It’s just special. You don’t find too many young ladies that come in and demand that respect with their teammates right away, and I think she’s done that,” Hans said. 

Hans, like Horn, said he expects to challenge his team before conference play. They have a tough slate to begin the year, playing three games in seven days, starting with Middle Tennessee—who is coming off an NCAA tournament appearance—as well as nationally-ranked University of Kentucky and another 2024 NCAA tournament team to round out the week in Marshall. 

The men’s and women’s teams have many similarities: new rosters, plans to play fast and a belief in the depth of their team. 

There is one unifying similarity in their goals: winning a Horizon League championship.