(WILMINGTON, Ohio) - Head Coach Micah Mills enters his fourth season at the helm of the Quakers' Men's Basketball team. Mills is joined by Assistant Coaches Colin Echelberry, Lucas Holden, along with Student Assistant Coaches Cyncere Watkins and Austin Mansfield.
The Quakers look to bounce back after a 5-20 finish last season, in which eight of those losses were by five or less points. "Our offseason has been really good. Our players are really taking a player-leadership jump this year. I've seen a collective of those guys holding each other accountable and fighting to push themselves forward every single day," Mills emphasized.
The offseason has allowed the Quakers to push themselves further. "They are working out with Coach Shadrach, our Strength and Conditioning coach. It has been awesome to see them attack their bodies," remarked Mills. Getting into the gym, going alone and with individual practices. I can really just see their work ethic."
Mills has harped on the style of play he needs from his squad. "For us to do what we want to do, we have to follow a wolfpack mentality, and I think these guys are really following that. They have really bought into that mentality. We have been building our culture in a lot of ways on and off the court."
Key Returners
Mills points out four key returners for the 2025-2026 season: senior guard Domenic Farley, junior forward Ben Golan, junior guard Carson Miles, and junior forward Elijah Cathey.
Farley is coming off a 20-start season with 23 appearances. The playmaking guard finished seventh in the OAC in assists, third on the team in points, and tied for third on the team in steals. "He has been an All-Conference performer, in the past. I'm looking for consistent play game in and game out," Mills said. "I've loved the growth he's had as a leader this offseason and I'm excited to see it on the court."
Golan, who has appeared in all 25 games for the Quakers in the last two seasons, is in line for a big jump. In his sophomore campaign, he scored 10 or more points in four games and was third on the team in blocks. "He had a sophomore season with some starting opportunities. I'm looking forward to him taking a big jump this season," Mills proclaimed.
Junior guard Carson Miles is expected to take another step forward this year. He has appeared in all 25 games over the last two years. Miles finished second on the team in assists and was tied for third on the team in steals while scoring 10 or more points in three games. "He had some big games as a sophomore. I am looking forward to seeing him healthy this year and in an attack mindset," added Mills.
Elijah Cathey, who is returning from knee surgery, is a critical piece for the team. "He's one of those guys that plays bigger than his size. He has really worked on his body this offseason and I am super excited to see him emerge this year in a full season." Cathey started 13 games and appeared in 21 last season, scoring 11 points or more in six games.
Mills is impressed by the number of seniors on the roster. "Eight seniors is awesome. To see guys committed to the program and want to see it through. It is really hard to play collegiate sports for four years and to see these young men fight for four years and finish it on the court collectively as a unit."
Players to Watch
Mills named three players to watch: sophomore guard Matt DeBrosse, sophomore forward Izaiah Cathey, and senior guard Gabe Green.
DeBrosse, a stout three-point shooter, appeared in 18 games for the Quakers last year. The sophomore shot 49% from the field and 47% from beyond the arc. He scored 15 or more points in two games. "He had a good push to the end of last year and was one of those guys that kept getting better all year long."
Izaiah Cathey, the brother of Elijah, is also expected to improve. He appeared in 18 games for Wilmington with one start tallied 85 points with 31 rebounds. "We're excited to see his growth and maturity as a player," Mills said.
Green only had minimal playing time last year, but Mills believes he can contribute at a higher level. "It was his first-year last year, just learning the system and how we operate. I think that's going to bode well for us in year two."
Another returner who has stood out to Coach Mills is Jed Smith. Smith, a senior guard, appeared in 21 games last season, but his impact goes beyond the court. "Jed is a culture glue guy. He is one of those players coaches love to coach. His ability to stretch the floor will continue to be an asset for us," exclaimed Mills.
On the rest of the roster, Mills noted Jerry Trout, Kellen Baltazar, Colin Barker, Ben Golan, Matt DeBrosse, Logan McIntosh, and Larkin Friend as players who are all locally found talents.
Schedule Notes
The Quakers' opening tipoff is tomorrow at 7:30 P.M. in Richmond, Indiana against Earlham College in the Quaker Bowl. Wilmington has beaten Earlham two years in a row.
Wilmington's home opener is on Wednesday, November 19th, at 7:00 P.M. against Anderson University (IN).
The conference opener is on Saturday, December 6th, at 1:00 P.M. when the Quakers host Heidelberg University.
