Harrogate, TN — The Lincoln Memorial men's basketball team is ready to write the next chapter in its storied legacy under the leadership of new Head Coach Tony Jasick. Jasick, a familiar face in Harrogate, returns to helm the program with a bold vision and championship-driven mindset. Last season, the Railsplitters reached remarkable heights, capturing another SAC regular-season title and posting an outstanding record. The expectation now: sustain excellence, elevate performance, and compete for the conference crown and beyond. "We're going to build a team that plays with pride, passion, and purpose, and brings energy back to Tex Turner Arena," said Jasick. The Railsplitters' men's basketball program has long been a powerhouse in NCAA Division II, consistently competing at the highest level in the South Atlantic Conference and earning national ranking recognition. With a new chapter underway led by Coach Jasick, the program is poised for sustained success.

Entering the season ranked 14th nationally and picked second in the South Atlantic Conference preseason rankings, Lincoln Memorial is once again expected to contend as of one of the best teams in the nation. Nate Mims and Yassin Hussein were named "players to watch" by the conference in the preseason. Mims is a graduate guard from Cleveland, previously of West Virginia State, whose experience will anchor the back court.  Hussein, a sixth-year forward from Cairo, Egypt, previously of Embry-Riddle, provides size and maturity on the interior. With a staff consisting of Lindal Yarbrough, Patrick Althoff, and Kevin Reynolds, the staff is poised to push the program forward. 

The long-awaited season gets underway beginning on Friday, as the Railsplitters travel to Young Harris, GA for a meeting with the North Georgia Nighthawks, with tip-off slated for 5 PM. The last time the teams met, the Nighthawks snapped the Railsplitters' incredible home winning streak, taking an 89-83 victory in overtime in Harrogate, claiming their only win in the series' history. There will be minimal time for rest. Lincoln Memorial will be in action the following day, taking on Georgia College and State University on Saturday, with tip-off slated for 1 PM. The Railsplitters maintain a 2-0 all-time series lead on the Bobcats.

Both games will be available through the Conference Carolinas Network.

WATCH: Railsplitters vs. Nighthawks

Watch: Railsplitters vs. Bobcats

LIVE stats: Railsplitters vs. Nighthawks

LIVE stats: Railsplitters vs. Bobcats