ETTRICK, Va.- The Virginia State University Men's Basketball team will begin their 2015-2016 season at home in Daniel Gymnasium for the Trojan Tip-Off Classic on November 13-14.
 
The Trojans will take on Slippery Rock on Friday, November 13 at 8pm and face Glenville State on Saturday, November 14 at 8pm. VSU looks to set the tone for the remainder of the season with their Tip-Off Classic opponents. Both Slippery Rock and Glenville State participated in the NCAA tournament last season and have some competitive players returning on their roster.

Head Coach Lonnie Blow, Jr. has a strong schedule to open the Trojans season, but is confident that his players will rise to the occasion and play competitive basketball. "We have to be ready to compete at a very high level right out of the gate, but our guys have been working hard to prepare ourselves upcoming challenges," said Coach Blow. "We are looking forward to opening our season on Friday against Slippery Rock. It will be a huge early season test for us, but I feel that we'll be ready."
 
The Trojans are projected to finish second in the CIAA Northern Division and fourth in the CIAA Conference.  VSU finished the 2014-2015 regular season 18-7 and are the reigning CIAA Northern Division Co-Champions. 
 
"This year you can expect more speed on the court with a lot of guys that can transition and make plays happen," said junior forward Elijah Moore. "You can also expect our freshman to set up and play well."
 
The Trojans are returning 2015 CIAA Rookie Team pick sophomore Tyler Peterson (Virginia Beach, VA), 2015-16 Preseason Team pick junior Elijah Moore (Yorktown, VA), junior Amiel Terry (Annandale, VA), senior Te'Quan Alers (Fredericksburg, VA), and senior Ken Pankey (Richmond, VA). The Trojans will also be debuting four freshman who are expected to have a big impact on the season right away. With four freshman and five transfers joining the Trojan roster, the men's basketball team has utilized the preseason to build their chemistry and prepare for any challenge they're faced with this season.  

The Virginia State Department of Athletics annual 1,000 cans, 1 goal campaign initiative is underway. The canned food items collected will be donated to the local food banks. The Department encourages all fans, alumni, faculty and friends to bring a canned food item to all of the home volleyball and football games this season.

For more information on VSU Trojans men's basketball, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030.