Preview of Men’s Basketball 2025-2026
Photo provided by Rampage student photographer Elle Gunter.
With the 2025–2026 basketball season just underway, optimism and excitement are building around the Bluefield University men’s basketball program. Guided by first-year head coach Joseph Cooper, the team has used the off-season to prepare for a strong season in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC).
“The guys have worked extremely hard since they started practicing,” Coach Cooper said about the team’s level of preparation and discipline. “There’s been a slew of early mornings that have included anything from the sandpit to the Mitchell Stadium stairs, running hills, or being back in the weight room for practice. The guys were committed to pushing themselves and each other every single day. I am very proud of their commitment to the program this off-season.”
The Rams intend to create an exciting, fast-paced style of basketball that Bluefield fans will appreciate.
“It’s going to be a fun and exciting style of play that the community will be able to appreciate,” Coach Cooper said. “We will share the ball, play hard, play fast, and we will play defense.”
Coach Cooper will lean heavily on veterans from last year’s team, like Elijah White, a returning player who is expected to lead the team in scoring again in 2025-2026, along with several other solid players who will help amplify his play.
“We have some good pieces around him, which will in turn elevate his game,” Cooper said.
The Rams have also made significant upgrades to the roster in the off-season with the addition of players like Shaft Clark (6’7”) and D.J. McDonald (6’8”).
“That, along with our defense, has also been an upgrade,” Cooper said, which is something they’ll need considering the challenging schedule the team will play. Coach Cooper said he’s excited for the challenge that each game will present.
“We compete in such a great conference,” the coach said. “Particularly this year, it seems more than ever, there is a great possibility that any team can beat anyone on any night. I am really looking forward to all the different chess matches with the conference opponents. We have an opportunity to surprise a lot of people.”
Cooper’s coaching philosophy is rooted in values that reach beyond a love of the game. He uses five core values to guide his program: positivity, toughness, accountability, connection, and commitment.
“My hope is for every student-athlete to develop not only their basketball ability, but also their relationship with Christ,” Coach Cooper said. “Basketball is a powerful tool for teaching that, and I take that responsibility seriously.”
Regarding motivation through the difficult stretches, Cooper said he likes to keep it simple and personal.
“I simply remind them of their ‘why’ — why are they playing this sport, why are they training so hard, and what motivates them,” Cooper said. “We watch a lot of film, always searching for improvements, and most importantly, we have fun.”
The Rams are preparing for this season with hard work, faith, and team focus. Bluefield fans can expect to see a spirited team ready to take the competitive court every night while being proud representatives of Bluefield University. Follow the Rams at home in the Dome Gymnasium. The first home game of the season is Saturday, November 15. Catch live coverage of road games on burams.com.