The Cleveland State Men's Basketball team is back in the Wolstein Center for the first time in 2022-23. The Vikings play host to Baldwin Wallace for an exhibition contest which tips at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on 1350 AM The Gambler with Al Pawlowski and Pat Vuyancih on the call. The game will not be live streamed.
Viking fans will get their first look at Head Coach Daniyal Robinson's squad, as Coach Robinson leads the team out of the tunnel for the first time in the Wolstein Center.
Cleveland State features a roster that includes five returning players from last year's team that won the Horizon League Regular Season title, and finished with a 20-11 overall record. The Vikings won 15 of the 18 regular season contests played at the Wolstein Center last year, and will be looking to continue the home court advantage this season.
Among the key returners is senior guard Deshon Parker, who averaged 4.4 points and 2.4 rebounds per game last season. Parker held down the point guard position, finishing with a 2.5 assist to turnover ratio which ranked 26th in the country last season.
Deante Johnson also returns, after averaging a career-best 7.5 points and 6.8 rebounds a year ago. Johnson also set a career high with 1.3 blocks per game during the 2021-22 campaign. Johnson has been named to the Horizon League All-Defensive Team each of the last two seasons.
Also returning is senior guard Yahel Hill, sophomore forward Cole Middleton, and junior forward Jayson Woodrich. The five returners are joined by nine newcomers, who will be suiting up for the first time in a Cleveland State uniform, to comprise the 14-man roster.
For Baldwin Wallace, the Yellow Jackets return seven letterwinners from a team that went 15-10, with a 9-7 record in Ohio Athletic Conference play. Baldwin-Wallace advanced to the semi-finals of the OAC tournament. The Yellow Jackets are led by eighth year Head Coach Tom Heil.
Viking fans are reminded that a clear bag policy is in effect for all games at the Wolstein Center this season. Fans can purchase tickets at the Northeast Box office on gameday, and all gates will be open. You can purchase season and single-game tickets online at this LINK.
