BLUEFIELD, Va. – The Bluefield University men's basketball team is set to tip off the 2025–26 campaign Saturday evening, and with the season fast approaching, here's a look at what fans can expect from the Rams this year.
2024-25 IN REVIEW
Bluefield wrapped up the 2024–25 campaign with a 6–19 overall record and a 6–14 mark in Appalachian Athletic Conference play. Senior guard Elijah White emerged as one of the AAC's most dynamic players, earning All-AAC Second Team honors after leading the Rams in scoring (17.2 ppg), field goal percentage (43.7%), assists (3.7 apg), and steals (1.3 spg). Forward DeAndre Miles added 5.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while providing an interior presence on both ends of the floor.
In the 2025–26 AAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, Bluefield was picked 13th as Pikeville topped the standings with eight first-place votes.
2025–26 SCHEDULE
The Rams open the 2025–26 season on the road November 1 at WVU Tech, followed by an exhibition matchup at NCAA Division I opponent Presbyterian College on November 8. Conference play begins shortly after when Bluefield travels to Pikeville on November 12 before returning home to the Dome Gymnasium for its home opener against Columbia on November 15.
Additional home dates include contests versus Montreat (Dec. 6), Johnson (Dec. 10), Spartanburg Methodist (Dec. 13), and Truett McConnell (Jan. 10). The Rams will also host Carolina University (Jan. 19), Union (Jan. 21), Milligan (Feb. 4), Pikeville (Feb. 11), and Reinhardt (Feb. 21) to close the regular season. The AAC Tournament is scheduled for Feb. 25–28 in Kingsport, Tenn.
THE RETURNERS
Bluefield's roster features several key returners led by White, who paced the Rams offensively last season and earned All-AAC Second Team honors. Fellow seniors Miles and Kaleb Morgan return to anchor the frontcourt, while sophomore guard Lenair Young brings back valuable experience after appearing in over 20 contests as a freshman.
Additional contributors include senior center Danny Alford, sophomore guard Pharoah Fields, and sophomore guard Tyler Suber, all of whom add depth and familiarity to the Rams' rotation.
NEW FACES
First-year head coach Joseph Cooper has retooled the Bluefield roster with a mix of veteran transfers and promising newcomers. The incoming class features six additions, including senior forwards Shaft Clark (Chesapeake, Va./Chesapeake College) and DJ McDonald (Tulsa, Okla./Tusculum), junior guard Zac Hall (Chilhowie, Va./Tusculum), sophomore guard Isaiah Sanders (Lexington, N.C./William Peace), and senior guard/forward Ke'Shaun Tonsall (Norfolk, Va./Old Dominion). Freshman guard Jeremiah White (Virginia Beach, Va./Kempsville) rounds out the group as a talented newcomer to watch.
