MARIETTA, Ohio — The first season of the Andy Bucheit era brought its share of challenges for the Marietta College men's basketball program. The Pioneers finished 9-16 overall and 4-12 in the Ohio Athletic Conference while navigating the loss of the team's three leading scorers from the previous season.

Despite those obstacles, Bucheit and his staff focused on laying a foundation for long-term success, emphasizing physicality, relentless effort, and strong team chemistry. That foundation has continued to strengthen throughout the offseason, creating an optimistic outlook for the program heading into 2026-27.

"We have made significant strides in these three areas this off-season," said Coach Bucheit. "Our players have bought into the weight room, making the plays on the floor that do not show up in the stat sheets, and spending time with each other off the floor to build chemistry."

Marietta returns two key contributors from last season in junior forward Mason Wisniewski (Farmington Hills, Mich./Orchard Lake St. Marys) and senior Trenton Collins (Newark, Ohio/Utica).

According to Bucheit, Wisniewski is the team's "best returning player" after earning All-OAC Honorable Mention honors in 2025-26. He averaged nearly 12 points per game and ranked third in the conference with 6.6 rebounds per contest. Bucheit believes Wisniewski has taken significant steps forward both physically and as a leader. "He has spent a good amount of time in the weight room and he has worked on his game," said Bucheit. "Mason has matured and is growing into a good leader."

Collins also appears poised for a larger role after starting 14 games last season and averaging 4.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. His commitment to improvement has stood out throughout the offseason. "He is consistently in the gym and in the weight room," said Bucheit. "He has inspired others on the team with his work-ethic and has matured into a good leader by example for his teammates."

With expanded opportunities available this season, sophomores Colton Conkle (Coshocton, Ohio/Coshocton) and Joey Emory (Richmond Heights, Ohio/Richmond Heights) are expected to take on larger roles.  Conkle has established himself as one of the team's toughest and most relentless competitors, bringing defensive intensity and a nonstop motor every time he steps on the floor. Emory's development has been equally impressive. After seeing limited action as a freshman, he returned to campus with renewed confidence and determination. His growth, maturity, and consistent work ethic have helped him climb the depth chart and position himself for increased playing time.

"All four of these young men have been great examples of how hard work and consistency pays off," said Bucheit. "I am so proud of the work they have put in to get themselves ready for the season."

Senior forwards Luke Powell (St. Marys, W.Va./St. Marys) and Hayden Jarrett (Zanesville, Ohio/Maysville) will provide valuable experience and depth for the Pioneers. Powell emerged as a reliable contributor last season, averaging 4.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game while ranking second on the team with 19 blocked shots, the ninth-highest total in the OAC. Jarrett has also earned the trust of the coaching staff through his experience and steady presence. Together, the pair give Marietta veteran leadership and dependable minutes off the bench.

The roster also features an intriguing group of newcomers, including freshmen Dasai Bronson (Cincinnati, Ohio/Winton Woods), Jonny Kambani (Solon, Ohio/Solon), Jamell Stephens (Cleveland Heights, Ohio/Cleveland Heights), Angelo Diedalis (Columbus, Ohio/Centennial), Damien Clay (Toledo, Ohio/Sylvania Southview), and Sebastian Jordan (Bayamon, P.R./Princeton (Ohio)), along with sophomore transfer RJ Winegarner (Atlanta, Ga./Douglass). The group is expected to compete for playing time throughout the season and help shape the future of the program. Bucheit has been encouraged by the newcomers' transition to the college game. "We are excited about the future of the program and what these guys can do with a little hard work and time."

Marietta opens the 2026-27 season Saturday, Nov. 7, when it welcomes Bethany College to Ban Johnson Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m., following the 5:30 p.m. women's game.

"The OAC is an unforgiving league," concluded Bucheit. "There are no nights off. Our team will be focused on getting better each day. If we do that, we will be positioned to have some success this season. We want to establish winning behaviors and measure that every day. Once we establish that consistently we will see where the chips fall."

Fans can follow all the Pioneer teams all year long at pioneers.marietta.edu. You can also follow the Pioneers on Facebook at facebook.com/MariettaCollege and @MariettaPioneer on X and Instagram.