Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Rockhurst University Athletics

Jaylen Wesley
Claire Nicholas

Men's Basketball

Hawks open the season on Friday in Liberty

Jaylen Wesley led the Hawks in scoring in 2024-25
Rockhurst Men's Basketball tips off the 2025-26 season at the GLVC/GLIAC Challenge this weekend at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. The Hawks face Davenport on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and Purdue Northwest on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Kyle Blackbourn enters his second season as the Hawks' head coach. Rockhurst collected 17 wins for the first time since 2018-19 when they went 17-12 last season. The Hawks were voted fourth in this year's GLVC Preseason Coaches' Poll, the program's highest selection since 2016-17 when Rockhurst was picked fourth in the GLVC Western Division.

"I'm really pleased with how this group has come together," Blackbourn said. "We've seen some positive things in practice, and we know there's still room to grow. I'm excited to keep building with this team and seeing what we can accomplish this season.

"Our schedule is once again very challenging, with six of our first seven on the road. We'll learn quickly what we're made of and what areas we need to keep improving on."

After the GLVC/GLIAC Challenge, Rockhurst plays at No. 2 Washburn next Wednesday and at Missouri Southern on Nov. 25 before their home opener against Truman State on Nov. 29.

The Hawks then face two more conference foes on the road when they travel to McKendree (Dec. 1) and to crosstown rival William Jewell (Dec. 6).

"Going into year two, it has been nice to have a little continuity within the group," Blackbourn said. "The returners all know what's expected of them and have been able to help onboard the newcomers. Player-led teams are the best led teams, so we're hoping that can be a strength of ours this season."

Senior forwards Jaylen Wesley and Jaden Flournoy headline the returnees. Wesley averaged a team-high 15.3 points per game and was second with an average of 6.1 rebounds per game. Flournoy averaged 8.0 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.

Sophomore guard Micah Deaver and sophomore forward Dillon Mong also return, providing key experience in the backcourt and frontcourt, respectively.

Rockhurst also welcomes four transfers and three freshmen to the team. Senior guard Drenin Dinkins scored over 1,000 points in three seasons at Southwest Baptist and earned All-GLVC Freshman Team honors during the 2022-23 season.

Graduates Jack Scott and Landon Eiland, and junior Peyton Newbern are transfers as well. Scott and Eiland will contribute to the frontcourt. Newbern will in the backcourt.

Incoming freshman London Burton will provide depth in the backcourt, while freshmen Callen Eskew and Matt Michalski will see minutes in the frontcourt.

"We are once again trying to compete towards the top of the conference and qualify for the NCAA Tournament," Blackbourn said. "Last year was a very competitive season for our program.

"Looking to this year, we know we have another great group to work with. For us to reach our goals, we must continue to improve and bring a daily growth mindset. We are looking forward to the challenge."
 
Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Micah Deaver

#5 Micah Deaver

G
6' 1"
Sophomore
Jaden Flournoy

#4 Jaden Flournoy

F
6' 6"
Senior
Dillon Mong

#13 Dillon Mong

F
6' 7"
Sophomore
Jaylen Wesley

#23 Jaylen Wesley

G
6' 4"
Senior
London Burton

#0 London Burton

G
6' 2"
Freshman
Peyton Newbern

#1 Peyton Newbern

G
6' 4"
Junior
Drenin Dinkins

#11 Drenin Dinkins

G
6' 0"
Senior
Callen Eskew

#20 Callen Eskew

F
6' 8"
Freshman
Landon Eiland

#21 Landon Eiland

F
6' 6"
Graduate Student
Jack Scott

#30 Jack Scott

F
6' 9"
Graduate Student
Matt Michalski

#32 Matt Michalski

C
6' 11"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Micah Deaver

#5 Micah Deaver

6' 1"
Sophomore
G
Jaden Flournoy

#4 Jaden Flournoy

6' 6"
Senior
F
Dillon Mong

#13 Dillon Mong

6' 7"
Sophomore
F
Jaylen Wesley

#23 Jaylen Wesley

6' 4"
Senior
G
London Burton

#0 London Burton

6' 2"
Freshman
G
Peyton Newbern

#1 Peyton Newbern

6' 4"
Junior
G
Drenin Dinkins

#11 Drenin Dinkins

6' 0"
Senior
G
Callen Eskew

#20 Callen Eskew

6' 8"
Freshman
F
Landon Eiland

#21 Landon Eiland

6' 6"
Graduate Student
F
Jack Scott

#30 Jack Scott

6' 9"
Graduate Student
F
Matt Michalski

#32 Matt Michalski

6' 11"
Freshman
C