MOREHEAD, Ky. (WYMT) – Morehead State men‘s and women’s basketball talked to members of the media as the college basketball season tips off in two weeks.

Morehead State men’s basketball is coming off of an exciting season that saw a record 26 wins, an Ohio Valley Conference title and a trip to the NCAA basketball tournament.

The 2024 season welcomes a new head coach for the Eagles. Former MSU assistant head coach Jonathan Mattox is making his head coaching debut for the Eagles and had the chance to talk with members of the media about his hopes for building on last season’s success.

Moving from an assistant head coach to now head coach, Mattox said the main difference has more to do with managing than coaching.

“Some of the differences in moving one seat over aren‘t necessarily coaching basketball related,” Mattox said. “They‘re more staff management related. They’re more leadership related. Leading a team, leading a staff, media obligations. Those are the biggest differences.”

Mattox emphasized defense, rebounding and ball security.

“If we can defend, rebound and not turn over the ball, we‘ll be in good shape,” Mattox said. “We‘re getting better at executing.”

Mattox said the Eagles also talked about distinguishing their goals from desired destinations.

The men’s team starts their season on Nov. 4 against Louisville.

On the women’s side, the Lady Eagles welcome a new assistant coach, Chris Palmer.

Palmer was a part of the Southern Wesleyan coaching staff during the 2022-2023 season where he coached Conference Carolina’s top freshmen in Bryson Felder.

Morehead State enters the season picked to finish eighth in the OVC.

“We are not happy about our ranking,” sophomore guard Katie Novik said. “We feel that we are supposed to be higher and we have time to work [to make it higher].”

The ranking leaves a sour taste in the Lady Eagles’ mouth and makes them work harder to change the ranking.

The Lady Eagles season begins on Nov. 4 against Asbury.

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