Calhoun: Penguins can and will compete ‘right away’ in Horizon League

April 28, 2017 at 12:08a.m.

beaver township

Youngstown State men’s basketball coach Jerrod Calhoun spent his 30th day on the job speaking to the Curbstone Coaches at Drake’s Landing Banquet Center. And he didn’t temper expectations when speaking about the team he inherited.

“[The Horizon League] can be won and it can be won right away,” Calhoun said.

Calhoun called the league wide open with Oakland and UIC expected to be strong contenders next year. But Calhoun hopes the Penguins’ new style next year also provides dividends.

“We will dictate the tempo,” Calhoun said. “We’re going to run. We’re going to get up and down the court. We’re going to shoot threes and dunk the ball. Basketball is supposed to be played that way in my opinion.

“We’re going to do that in Youngstown and we’re going to do it right away.”

In terms of scheduling, Calhoun didn’t back away from the microphone either. He said the Penguins will play any Division I team that gives him a call. And that especially includes YSU’s geographic rivals from the Mid-Amerian Conference.

“In order to be the best you have to play the best,” Calhoun said. “I’m tired of hearing about the MAC. We should be playing Akron, Kent State, Bowling Green, Duquesne. Anyone who wants to play us, call us.”

One game still needs penciling in on next year’s schedule. YSU is looking for one more home game and Calhoun said he won’t settle for playing a Division II school, saying he doesn’t believe in playing teams from different divisions — a statement that brought some sarcastic applause from the crowd.

When asked about what buy games the Penguins will be playing next season, Calhoun announced YSU will be playing road games at DePaul, Butler and Utah State. The contracts with DePaul and Butler have been finalized but the Utah State contact has officially yet to be signed. However, Calhoun said Utah State is paying YSU $90,000 for the game.

Calhoun also said he wants to see the end of empty bleachers and sparse crowds at Beeghly Center, citing his success turning around the culture surrounding the program at his last job at Fairmont State.

“The days of empty arenas are over,” Calhoun said. “When I got to Fairmont State we had won eight games, had 53 season ticket holders and our team facilities were in shambles. We ended up selling out our final games at home.

We need [fans] out at the games because you’re our sixth man. So come out to the games and bring your friends.”

YSU has already announced the signings of incoming recruits Naz Bohannon, Jacob Brown and Garrett Covington. Calhoun said there are two more that are expected to sign today and isn’t sure how many more open spots he has on his roster.

Class of 2017 prospect Michael Akuchie announced on Twitter he is committing to Youngstown State and Delaware State transfer Devin Morgan also said he’s becoming a Penguin, though he will have to sit out a year due to NCAA transfer rules.