KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan men's basketball team finally returns to the hardwood when it opens up the 2020-21 season on the road at Butler on Wednesday, Nov. 25. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. and can be seen on FS1.
Wednesday, Nov. 25 • 6:00 p.m. • Indianapolis, Ind. • Hinkle Fieldhouse (9,100)
Western Michigan Broncos (0-0, 0-0 MAC) at Butler Bulldogs (0-0, 0-0 Big East)
Series Record: WMU trails 3-9
Last Meeting: Feb. 21, 1950 – Kalamazoo, Mich. – WMU 70, Butler 57
BROADCAST INFORMATION:
Radio • Bronco Radio Network –
Robin Hook (PBP)
Stations • WZOX – 96.5 FM: Kalamazoo (flagship), Portage, Mattawan; WMAX – 96.1 FM: Holland, Muskegon; WTKG 1230 AM: Grand Rapids; WDFN 1130 AM: Detroit
Watch Live: FS1 (Alex Faust – PBP, Jim Jackson – Color)
Scouting the Broncos
Western Michigan returns 10 from last year's squad that went 13-19 and 6-12 in Mid-American Conference play. WMU welcomes five newcomers to the 2020-21 roster while also returning four of its top six scorers from a year ago.
New Man in Charge
For the first time in 17 years, Western Michigan men's basketball will have a new coach roaming the sidelines as
Clayton Bates was hired to lead the Bronco basketball program back in March. Bates is the 14
th men's basketball head coach in program history.
First Game Coaching
First year head coach
Clayton Bates will look to become the eighth coach in program history to win his first game as head coach of the Broncos.
Like It's 1950!
This will be the first meeting between Western Michigan and Butler since Feb. 21, 1950. In that game, WMU defeated Butler on its home court, 70-57.
Big East Success
Against the current Big East Conference schools, the Broncos have registered 20 victories. This will be the first time the Broncos have challenged a Big East team since taking on No.3 Villanova in 2016 at the ESPN Gildan Charleston Classic.
Western Michigan's last victory over a Big East team came back in 2005 when the Broncos defeated Marquette on the road, 54-40.
Ready for Year Two
Sophomore
Titus Wright looks to build off a solid freshman campaign, averaging 6.2 points per game a year ago en route to All-MAC Freshman Team honors. Wright scored 197 points last season, the 10th most by a freshman in a single-season in school history.
White About That
Sophomore B. Artis White is coming off a freshman campaign that saw him average 7.3 points per game and scored 226 points. White's 226 points was the eighth most by a freshman in a single-season at WMU.
Welcoming the Newcomers
WMU welcomes five newcomers to the 2020-21 squad in
Jaylon Holmes,
Josiah Freeman,
Daylan Hamilton,
Danny Kolp and
Greg Lee. The 2020-21 class ranked fourth in the MAC according to
247Sports.com and first amongst MAC West schools.
Season Opener Streak
Western Michigan has won four straight season openers and six of the last seven.
Oh Captain, Our Captains
As voted on by their teammates, senior
Greg Lee, junior
William Boyer-Richard and redshirt junior
Jason Whitens have been named captains for the 2020-21 season.
Beyond the Numbers
• WMU's 676 three-point attempts last season was third most in school history
• When holding a lead at the half, WMU is 40-11 the past three seasons
• The past three seasons when scoring over 70 points, the Broncos are 55-35
• WMU has made at least one three-pointer in 306 consecutive games
What's Next?
Following Wednesday's contest the Broncos hit the road once again for a match-up against Trine University on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 2:00 p.m. It's the first time in school history WMU will travel to play a DIII opponent.
