The Shawnee State University Men’s Basketball Team is hoping to bring some excitement to "The Cave" this season. The Bears hope to pick up where they left off last year and post the first winning record since the 1995-1996 campaign. Last season ended with the Bears winning three of their final four games which included an upset win at Tiffin University and a heartbreaking one point loss at number one seeded Walsh University in the semifinals of the AMC Conference tournament.

Despite the loss of seniors, the Bears have a solid core of players returning. Back for their senior season will be Dave Hurley and Todd Vatter. Hurley averaged 17.4 points per game as he was named Honorable Mention All-American and 2nd team All-Conference last season. The returning juniors consist of Honorable Mention All-Conference selection Jay Hall, high-flying Danny Martin and shot blocking specialist Drew Beckett. Hall averaged 16.6 points and 7.8 rebounds per game last season. Martin averaged 6.4 points and 3.8 rebounds in only 13.6 minutes per game, while Beckett blocked 1.4 shots, scored 4.8 points, and hauled in 3.9 rebounds per contest.

In addition to the solid group returning the Bears will feature an exciting group of new comers which includes three transfers. Directing the team on the court this season will be junior point guard CJ Captain who is transferring from Owens Community College in Toledo, OH. Jeff Fraley was selected to the All-Conference Freshmen team last year at Urbana as he led the nation in 3-point shooting connecting on 50% of his attempts. Sophomore sharpshooter Brian Czapor is joining the Bears after playing one season at Ohio Northern.

A fountain of youth will be flowing through "The Cave" this season, as the Bears welcome six freshmen to this year’s team. Derick Sturgill from Elliot County, KY will be a strong force in the paint. Kenny Gilbert is a smooth guard from Lorain, OH. Mike Fry from Pataskla, OH is an excellent shooter. Derek Cooksey is a gritty, hard-nosed guard from Ashland, KY. The exciting duo from Greenup County, KY, Nathan Sutton and Daniel Griffith will also be in action for the Bears this season.

Coach Jim Arnzen is guardedly optimistic about the team’s prospects for the upcoming season. "This is by far the most talented and most athletic team we’ve had at Shawnee State. We have a tremendous group of newcomers and a very solid returning core. However, as a program we’re still trying to get over the hump. If we can catch some breaks, and learn how to win, we should have a successful season. We came on strong at the end of last season, and I really believe we can build on that. We got a taste of success in the conference tournament and our guys liked it. They are very anxious to get there again."