SALEM, W.Va. – The 2017-18 season is a thing of the past as Salem University men's basketball Head Coach Adam Williams believes he can build on last year and make this season even better.
 
Last year, the Tigers finished the season 6-20 but with several close losses. In fact, they had 12 losses last season by nine or fewer points.
 
According to Coach Williams, the main goal of the season is to improve on last season.
 
"This year we have to take the season one game at a time with not being in a league, every game is super important to us and if we want to make the NCAA Tournament we cannot overlook anyone and every game is crucial. Right now, Urbana is the most important game of the year," stated Williams.  
 
The Tigers return six players from last season, highlighted by senior standout Malik Toppin. Last season, Toppin averaged a double-double with 19.8 points per game and 10.3 rebounds per game. Toppin also broke the school's record for the highest field goal percentage posting an outstanding .685 percent.
 
Williams on Toppin, "In my opinion, I believe Malik is a top center in the country, he is a double-double everytime he walks out on the court."
 
The Tigers also return junior Jesse Pistokache, senior Marko Tutunovic, senior Ferlandis Penny, senior Shawon Faltz and senior Olamilikan Ojo.
 
Pistokache only played in three contests last year due to injury but according to coach Williams, he believes that once Pistokache is 100 percent that he will be a major help to the team with his high IQ and shooting.
 
Tutunovic, according to coach Williams is one of the most improved players and has taken his game to another level. Tutunovic is versatile as he can put it on the floor or step out and hit a three. Last season he averaged 7.8 points and 4 rebounds a game.
 
Behind Toppin, Penny is a high-energy guy, who can block shots and play above the rim. Coach Williams believes that Penny has a chance to make a big impact on this team this season.
 
Fultz and Ojo look to add valuable minutes off the bench this season, bringing passion and energy.
 
The Tigers bring in six new athletes that look to add to the success in the 2018-19 season.
 
Highlighting the newcomers is junior Malique Ross who was a junior college All-American last season. According to coach Williams, Ross is a high-level athlete who is a vocal leader on the team. Ross looks to lead the Tigers running the point.
 
Freshman Fonz Hale is a scoring point guard for the Tigers. "Fonz came into the preseason even better than we thought he was, we knew he was a great player coming in but blew us away with his skill set," stated Williams.
 
Senior Kanayo Obi-Rapu is a transfer from East Tennessee State and looks to aid the Tigers behind the ark with his shooting ability, along with being a very high IQ player, while classmate Chris Shields is also a transfer from Longwood. Shields looks to add value to the team with his versatility and skill set.
 
The last newcomer is sophomore Shawn Christian, who transfers in from Cleveland State. Coach Williams believes Christian can step in and hit some big shots for the Tigers, and he is a major competitor.
 
This season, the Tigers are set for 14 home games and 12 road games. Salem has several regional matchups and looks to take advantage of them to help its run at the Division-II NCAA Tournament in March.
 
The Tigers open their season this afternoon, as they take on Urbana (Ohio) in the opening game of the year. Last season, Urbana finished the year 4-24 overall and 3-19 in the Mountain East Conference.