The excitement of college basketball is just around the corner, and fans of Taylor University are eagerly anticipating the 2023 season. As one of the top-ranked teams in the NAIA, Taylor University's basketball program has a rich history of producing talented players and competing at the highest level. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Taylor University basketball schedule for 2023, highlighting the full game list, key matchups, and what fans can expect from the upcoming season.
2023 Taylor University Basketball Schedule
The 2023 Taylor University basketball schedule is packed with exciting matchups against top-tier opponents. Here is the full game list:
Non-Conference Games
- November 1: vs. Indiana Tech (Home)
- November 4: at Bethel University (Away)
- November 8: vs. Marian University (Home)
- November 11: at University of Saint Francis (Away)
- November 15: vs. Spring Arbor University (Home)
- November 18: at Huntington University (Away)
- November 22: vs. Goshen College (Home)
- November 25: at Indiana Wesleyan University (Away)
Conference Games
- December 1: vs. Mount Vernon Nazarene University (Home)
- December 3: at Ohio Christian University (Away)
- December 8: vs. Lourdes University (Home)
- December 10: at Northwestern Ohio (Away)
- December 15: vs. Siena Heights University (Home)
- December 17: at Cornerstone University (Away)
- January 5: vs. Concordia University (Home)
- January 7: at Madonna University (Away)
- January 12: vs. Lawrence Tech (Home)
- January 14: at University of Northwestern Ohio (Away)
- January 19: vs. Indiana Tech (Home)
- January 21: at Bethel University (Away)
- January 26: vs. Marian University (Home)
- January 28: at University of Saint Francis (Away)
- February 2: vs. Spring Arbor University (Home)
- February 4: at Huntington University (Away)
- February 9: vs. Goshen College (Home)
- February 11: at Indiana Wesleyan University (Away)
Postseason Games
- February 20-25: Crossroads League Tournament (TBA)
- March 8-14: NAIA National Tournament (TBA)
Key Matchups and Rivalries
The 2023 Taylor University basketball schedule features several key matchups and rivalries that fans won't want to miss. Here are a few highlights:
- November 1: vs. Indiana Tech (Home) - The Trojans open their season against in-state rival Indiana Tech, a team they have historically dominated.
- December 1: vs. Mount Vernon Nazarene University (Home) - Taylor University faces off against Mount Vernon Nazarene, a team they have had a fierce rivalry with in recent years.
- January 19: vs. Indiana Tech (Home) - The Trojans take on Indiana Tech again, this time in a conference matchup that promises to be intense.
- February 11: at Indiana Wesleyan University (Away) - Taylor University travels to Indiana Wesleyan University for a rivalry game that always seems to go down to the wire.
Player Profiles and Team Outlook
The Taylor University basketball team returns several key players from last year's squad, including:
- Jake Heggeland, a 6'6" forward who averaged 15.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game last season.
- Mason Degenkolb, a 6'3" guard who averaged 12.1 points and 4.5 assists per game last season.
- Conner Mitchel, a 6'7" center who averaged 10.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game last season.
With a strong returning core and a talented group of newcomers, the Taylor University basketball team is poised to make a deep run in the NAIA National Tournament.
Coach Profiles and Staff
The Taylor University basketball team is led by head coach Josh Andrews, who enters his seventh season at the helm. Coach Andrews has a proven track record of success, with a 134-63 overall record and four NAIA National Tournament appearances.
Assistant Coaches
- Tyler Mitchell, Associate Head Coach
- Adam McCoy, Assistant Coach
- Zach Freeman, Assistant Coach
Facilities and Game Day Experience
The Taylor University basketball team plays its home games at Odle Arena, a state-of-the-art facility that seats over 1,500 fans. The arena features a modern design, comfortable seating, and excellent sightlines, making it one of the premier venues in the NAIA.
On game day, fans can expect an electric atmosphere, complete with live music, concessions, and promotions. The Taylor University athletic department offers a variety of ticket options, including season passes, single-game tickets, and group discounts.
How to Follow the Team
Fans can follow the Taylor University basketball team on social media, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. The team also offers a live stream of all home games, which can be accessed through the Taylor University athletic department website.
What is the Taylor University basketball schedule for 2023?
+The Taylor University basketball schedule for 2023 includes a mix of non-conference and conference games, with key matchups against in-state rivals and top-ranked opponents.
Who are the key players returning for the Taylor University basketball team in 2023?
+The Taylor University basketball team returns several key players from last year's squad, including Jake Heggeland, Mason Degenkolb, and Conner Mitchel.
What is the best way to follow the Taylor University basketball team?
+Fans can follow the Taylor University basketball team on social media, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and also access live streams of home games through the Taylor University athletic department website.