A Bigger, Smarter Squad
The Miners are entering the next season with a markedly different roster. Head coach Joe Golding has replaced the previous lineup with a group that is both taller and more skilled, aiming to move past the 11‑20 record of the prior year.
The rebuild includes a 13‑player class that blends transfers from Division I programs and junior colleges with high‑school prospects. The coaching staff has also secured a recruiting budget that more than doubled, rising from $600,000 to $1.5 million, allowing the program to attract a wider pool of talent.
Among the newcomers are Leif Moeller, a 6‑foot‑7 point guard who previously played at Evansville, and Camron McDaniels, a standout junior‑college transfer. Both players bring a blend of size, basketball IQ and offensive versatility that Golding says will reshape the team’s identity.
Defensively, the Miners plan to implement a new scheme that takes advantage of the added height and skill set. The approach will be fine‑tuned during the summer, giving the coaching staff time to experiment and integrate the fresh talent.
The expectation is clear: a larger, smarter and better‑compensated squad that can compete more effectively in the conference and beyond.