MOUNT VERNON, Ga. - The Brewton-Parker Christian University Barons men's basketball team is gearing up for an exciting new season under the guidance of head coach Leonard Epps. The Barons are gearing up for preseason activity, excited to welcome the incoming recruiting class, which consists of 10 transfers from across the country.

The team lost five players who played key minutes for the Barons last season, including Quandre Burroughs, who averaged 19.6 points per game; Grant Sanders, notable for his 10 points and seven rebounds per game; and Ferlin Joseph Jr., who averaged 11.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Despite these losses, the Barons are rejuvenated with the return of standout players like Tommy Tisdale III, last season's SSAC Freshman of the Year, and Bobby Blackwell, who led the SSAC in blocks before becoming ineligible last season with an average of 6.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.

The Barons are excited to see the impact of the Junior wings, newcomers like Junior 6-6 Gil Gonzalez from Big Bend Community College, who averaged 13 points per game and earned NWAC All-Conference Performer recognition. 6-5 Jordan Hill, out of Marshalltown Community College, averaged 11 points per game, 5.5 rebounds, and earned an NJCAA Region 11 All-Conference Performer award. 6-4 Jadon Melvin, out of Bryant Stratton College, averaged 10.3 points per game and five rebounds per game. The incoming wings will look to help elevate the Barons' play this season.

The Barons are also thrilled to bring in four forwards, like the 6-7" Junior Xavier Gordon-Somers out of Palm Beach State College, who helped his team make their conference championship. 6-5 Junior Josh Rogers out of Central Lakes College, who averaged 12.2 points per game and 6.2 rebounds per game, and 6-10 Armani Reese out of Dallas College Cedar Valley, who averaged 8.5 points per game and recorded 91 blocks. 6-10 Rick Mangan, coming from Arizona Christian University, helped lead them to three straight conference championships and 3 NAIA National Tournament appearances.

Alongside three junior guards: 6-1 Abraham Garjah out of Florida State College, Jacksonville, 6-4 Trenton Shelton out of Minnesota North Hibbing College, and 5-10 Jakobe Jones out of Central Lakes College. All three players were key contributors on their teams and excelled with the ball in their hands.

Coach Leonard Epps expressed his optimism for the upcoming season, highlighting the arrival of 11 recruits aimed at enhancing the varsity program. This recruiting strategy includes 10 transfers, primarily from junior colleges, as well as a promising true freshman, Kyle Pemberton, who they look to get minutes this season. The recruiting class is described by Coach Epps as high in character and proven production at the college level. The Barons are set to make a strong impression in the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) with this incoming class. Find the Barons schedule here.