Marshall’s Nate Martin (41) drives to the basket for a shot during a Sun Belt men’s basketball game against Appalachian State on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at the Cam Henderson Center.
Marshall’s Nate Martin (41) drives to the basket for a shot during a Sun Belt men’s basketball game against Appalachian State on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at the Cam Henderson Center.
HUNTINGTON — When Corny Jackson spoke at Marshall University men’s basketball media day Thursday, the media were all ears.
The new Thundering Herd coach laid out in part what his team might look like when it takes the Cam Henderson Center court at 4 p.m. Sunday against the University of Pikeville for the Fans First exhibition game.
The former Herd point guard and eight-year assistant to ex-coach Dan D’Antoni said he’s excited to lead his alma mater against an opponent for the first time.
“We’re fired up,†Jackson said. “We’ve been pushing pretty hard and they’ve responded pretty well.â€
“New†is the operative word for this team, as nine first-year members of the Herd join six returning veterans on the roster. Jackson said he knows jelling will take time.
“We focus on the process,†Jackson said. “Since taking over, they say the head coach, it’s your process. We’re more focused on that. It’ll be interesting to see. The guys have been working tremendously hard at the things we’re asking them to do. It’s going to be fun to watch it unfold for the first time against another opponent.â€
That opponent went 23-8 last season, losing an exhibition contest 101-69 to Marshall. UPike reached the NAIA national tournament before falling 73-70 to St. Thomas.
The Bears roster features some players from fairly close to Huntington. Freshman Zion Blevins is from Chapmanville, while fellow newcomer Jace Copley hails from Lucasville, Ohio. Jaylon Rigdon played at Pike County (Kentucky) Central High School and Nick Robinson and Keian Worrix at Pikeville (Kentucky) High. Aden Barnett hails from Magoffin County (Kentucky) High.
Bradley Bunch, a 6-foot-6 forward/guard, averaged 14.6 points and 6.9 rebounds last season. He’s the returning leader in both categories.
Jackson said he’s blessed to be Marshall’s coach but doesn’t consider it his team.
“I consider it our team,†Jackson said. “I don’t really like the term ‘my team.’ I think it’s our team. I think it’s Marshall’s team. It’s Huntington’s team. We’re so excited. They passed me the keys to kind of lead the charge. I’m excited about that, but it’s our team. It’s not Corny Jackson’s team.â€
Nate Martin, an All-Sun Belt Conference preseason selection, said he looks forward to playing for Jackson. The 6-foot-8 senior averaged 10.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game last season after transferring from Texas State.
“The fact that Corny got the job, I love that,†Martin said. “He’s a great guy. He’s the one who recruited me here. He pushes us and develops us. I wanted to be here for his new chapter. He’s been awesome.â€
Martin said he looks forward to seeing unfamiliar faces on the court.
“It gets kind of old playing the same guys,†Martin said. “It’ll be cool to play someone else, get back in front of that crowd and feel that energy again.â€
Jackson hinted Martin might have added a new weapon, a 3-point shot, to his game. Martin has taken one 3-pointer in his college career and missed it.
“That’s the plan,†Martin said with a laugh. “That’s definitely something I’ve been working on all summer. I give credit to [former Herd star] Ryan Taylor. He’s been with me every day for an hour or two a day since last season just working on the tedious little parts of the jump shot.â€
