Marshall women’s basketball coach Juli Fulks is introduced at the third annual Hoops in Huntington event on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in downtown Huntington.
Marshall’s Nate Martin puts up a shot over Southern Miss defender Victor Iwuakor during a Sun Belt men’s basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at the Cam Henderson Center in Huntington.
Marshall women’s basketball coach Juli Fulks is introduced at the third annual Hoops in Huntington event on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in downtown Huntington.
Marshall’s Nate Martin puts up a shot over Southern Miss defender Victor Iwuakor during a Sun Belt men’s basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at the Cam Henderson Center in Huntington.
HUNTINGTON — Marshall University men’s basketball coach Cornelius Jackson didn’t scoff at where the Thundering Herd was picked in the Sun Belt Conference preseason poll but plans to use it as a motivator.
“We understand that respect isn’t given, it’s earned,†Jackson said. “We know the road ahead won’t be easy, but we’re determined to exceed expectations and show that we’re capable of far more than anyone anticipates.â€
The Thundering Herd was picked 10th out of 14 teams in the league but had two players listed on the preseason All-Sun Belt teams, with Nate Martin and Obinna Anochili-Killen listed on the first and second all-conference preseason teams, respectively.
“It’s an honor to have two players named to the preseason all-conference teams,†Jackson said. “They both have proven their skill, determination and leadership, and both are very deserving. Their inclusion reflects not only their talent, but their potential to help elevate our team as the season unfolds.â€
Martin started all 33 of Marshall’s games last season, averaging a double-double, with 10.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game and rejecting a team-high 44 shots.
The Houston native registered 16 double-doubles in 2023-24 with 19 double-figure scoring games, including a season-high 24 points against Southern Miss (Jan. 27) and 22 double-figure rebounding efforts, with a season-high 16 against James Madison (Feb. 21).
Anochili-Killen played in and started 30 games, averaging 14.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. The native of Lagos, Nigeria, scored 10 or more points in 22 games with eight contests of 20 or more, including a season-high 30 points against Coastal Carolina (Feb. 3), to go with four double-figure rebounding efforts and three double-doubles.
Marshall’s women’s basketball team might take a similar mindset to that of Jackson’s entering this year as the reigning conference champions after winning the regular season and postseason tournament in Kim Caldwell’s only year as the coach in 2023-24.
Now it’s Juli Fulks leading the Thundering Herd, which was picked sixth in the league, as voted on by the Sun Belt Conference coaches.
Aislynn Hayes was given first-team preseason all-conference recognition and was Marshall’s lone representative on the lists.
Hayes returns as a leader for the Herd after averaging 14.7 points per game last season, scoring in double figures in 24 games while shooting 41.7%, which was the eighth-best individual percentage in the SBC.
The Murfreesboro, Tennessee, native is one of 10 returning players from last season’s squad. MU was tabbed sixth in the preseason coaches poll.
Fulks takes over for Caldwell, who is now at Tennessee.
“Aislynn is a remarkable player with an ability to impact the game on both ends of the court,†Fulks said. “Her preseason ranking as a first-team selection reflects her hard work and respect earned throughout the Sun Belt Conference. We’re excited to watch her continual growth and leadership as we chase back-to-back Sun Belt titles.â€
Luke Creasy is a sports reporter for HD Media. He can be reached by phone at 304-526-2800.
