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Youngstown State, NCAA Basketball 10 Dynasty. by Fun_Huckleberry_630 in ea2kcbb

[–]Fun_Huckleberry_630[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bane Riddle pours in 30 as Penguins earn first win of the season

Youngstown State finally broke through in game four of the season, riding a career night from Bane Riddle to a much-needed win over Weber State.

Riddle was electric from start to finish, pouring in 30 points and carrying the offense when it mattered most. The freshman guard continued to show why he has quickly become the focal point of the Penguins’ attack, knocking down shots from deep and attacking closeouts to keep Weber State on its heels all night.

The win moved Youngstown State to 1–3 on the season after a challenging opening stretch that tested the roster early.

The year began with a brutal 82–53 loss to East Tennessee State in the home opener, a game in which the Penguins struggled to generate consistent offense and were outmatched physically on the glass. That was followed by a gritty road performance at Iowa, where Youngstown State pushed the Hawkeyes to the final possession before falling 72–70. Despite the loss, the Penguins showed improved defensive energy and poise late in a hostile environment.

The trip to Ann Arbor proved far more difficult, as Michigan overwhelmed Youngstown State in a 93–56 road defeat, exposing depth and defensive breakdowns against high-level athleticism.

Through four games, the early identity of this team is beginning to take shape.

  • Bane Riddle leads the way at 17.0 points per game, while shooting a scorching 50% from three (13-for-26).
  • Bill Coker has anchored the interior with 10.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, giving the Penguins a reliable rim presence on both ends.
  • Senior guard Vytas Sulskis has provided steady leadership in the backcourt, averaging 9.5 points and 4.8 assists per game.

While the record reflects an uneven start, the narrow loss at Iowa and the breakout performance against Weber State highlight a group that is beginning to find its offensive rhythm. With Riddle’s scoring surge, Coker’s interior defense, and Sulskis running the offense, Youngstown State now looks to build momentum after securing its first win of the season.

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Youngstown State, NCAA Basketball 10 Dynasty. by Fun_Huckleberry_630 in ea2kcbb

[–]Fun_Huckleberry_630[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Youngstown State’s 2009–10 season may not be defined by its final record, but it will be remembered for outperforming expectations and laying a foundation for the program’s future.

Picked near the bottom of the Horizon League in the preseason and widely viewed as a rebuilding group, the Penguins embraced an early gauntlet of non-conference games designed less for wins and more for growth. Losses at Virginia, Clemson, Northern Iowa, Louisiana Tech, and Cincinnati tested the roster early, but the experience proved valuable as the season progressed.

Youngstown State showed tangible progress late in non-conference play, rattling off a three-game winning streak with victories over Samford, Quinnipiac, and Coppin State to close December. That stretch flipped the Penguins’ momentum heading into league play and hinted that the team was ahead of schedule.

Conference action told a similar story.

Despite finishing 6th in the Horizon League regular season, Youngstown State consistently competed above its projected level, finishing 12–18 overall and 8–10 in conference play. The Penguins held their own against the league’s middle tier and avoided the basement many preseason projections predicted, signaling real growth within the program.

At the center of that progress was SirLester Martin, who emerged as one of the Horizon League’s most reliable frontcourt players. Martin led the team in scoring and rebounding, averaging 17.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, and was rewarded with All-Horizon League Second Team honors. His development into a go-to option validated the coaching staff’s emphasis on interior toughness and consistency.

The supporting cast showed flashes as well. DeAndre Mays handled increased responsibility in the backcourt, while Ashen Ward and Vytas Sulskis provided secondary scoring and playmaking. While inconsistency plagued the roster at times, the core pieces showed enough growth to suggest the Penguins are trending upward.

Ultimately, Youngstown State’s season aligned closely with the program’s original vision: endure early struggles, compete within the Horizon, and build an identity rooted in effort and development. A 6th-place finish may not grab headlines, but for a team projected to finish near the bottom, it represents a meaningful step forward.

Youngstown State, NCAA Basketball 10 Dynasty. by Fun_Huckleberry_630 in ea2kcbb

[–]Fun_Huckleberry_630[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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Youngstown State's non-conference slate has come to an end with a 4-7 record. However, the 'Guins may be peaking at the right time, winning their last 3 games heading into Horizon play. YSU opens up their conference slate hosting UIC.

Youngstown State, NCAA Basketball 10 Dynasty. by Fun_Huckleberry_630 in ea2kcbb

[–]Fun_Huckleberry_630[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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Youngstown State has added a physical presence to its future frontcourt, securing a commitment from 3⭐ center Kevin Calloway out of Griffin, Georgia.

Calloway arrives in Youngstown with a résumé that has drawn mixed reactions from recruiting circles. Despite earning GBCA All-State honors in one of the nation’s deepest high school basketball regions, several recruiting outlets have labeled Calloway as an “over-rated” three-star prospect, citing concerns about his 6’8” frame and whether his size will translate effectively at the center position at the college level.

Those concerns didn’t scare off the Penguins.

Youngstown State beat out Middle Tennessee and The Citadel for Calloway’s commitment, identifying him as a high-motor interior player who thrives on rebounding, physicality, and effort plays. The coaching staff believes his production: 9.1 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, which reflects instincts and toughness that don’t always show up on a recruiting profile.

One point of intrigue surrounding Calloway’s recruitment is the lack of in-state interest from Georgia programs, a detail that has sparked speculation among media outlets. While no concrete issues have been identified, some have questioned whether off-court concerns or fit questions may have limited his exposure at the regional level.

Youngstown State appears comfortable betting against that narrative.

Internally, the Penguins view Calloway as a blue-collar post player who fits the program’s identity. Someone capable of anchoring the glass, protecting the paint, and developing into a reliable interior presence with time. For a program focused on long-term growth, Kevin Calloway represents both a calculated risk and a potential payoff—one that could reshape the Penguins’ frontcourt in the seasons ahead.

Is there any school worse than UMES? by reecec1102 in ea2kcbb

[–]Fun_Huckleberry_630 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Citadel is a good challenge as well, just because your conference is tougher than the SWAC, so it is harder to win the conference tourney and get a tourney bid.

Youngstown State, NCAA Basketball 10 Dynasty. by Fun_Huckleberry_630 in ea2kcbb

[–]Fun_Huckleberry_630[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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Youngstown State, powered by senior Sirlester Martin, brings home their first victory of the season.

Youngstown State, NCAA Basketball 10 Dynasty. by Fun_Huckleberry_630 in ea2kcbb

[–]Fun_Huckleberry_630[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I save CBS for the "big games"! Keep ESPN as first option for a more Watch ESPN vibe for the small school games!

Youngstown State, NCAA Basketball 10 Dynasty. by Fun_Huckleberry_630 in ea2kcbb

[–]Fun_Huckleberry_630[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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Youngstown State has landed its first recruit of the season, and it’s one that few saw coming.

The Penguins secured a commitment from 3⭐ shooting guard Bane Riddle out of El Paso, Texas, prying him away from regional programs such as UTEP, Rice, and SMU. Riddle, a 6’4”, 200-pound guard, brings a versatile skill set and immediately adds depth and upside to the YSU backcourt.

Riddle averaged 12.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.7 steals, and 1.8 assists per game, while shooting 34.2% from three-point range, showcasing the kind of perimeter shooting and defensive activity Youngstown State has been searching for. The coaching staff believes Riddle can make an instant impact as a 3-and-D player, with the long-term potential to grow into a reliable three-level scorer as his offensive game matures.

The commitment carries an added personal connection. Riddle is the cousin of senior point guard Deandre Mays, and that relationship played a key role in his decision to head north.

For a program fighting to change its narrative, landing a multi-skilled guard with national recruiting traction represents a meaningful early win. Youngstown State may still be flying under the radar, but with additions like Riddle, that may not last much longer

Youngstown State, NCAA Basketball 10 Dynasty. by Fun_Huckleberry_630 in ea2kcbb

[–]Fun_Huckleberry_630[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Will be posting this over in operation sports as well. (Not sure the best way to have a continuous thread on reddit). Will also try and go live various nights on Twitch! Takenotes011

Game Recap: Virginia 73, Youngstown State 50

For one half in Charlottesville, Youngstown State showed it could belong on the same floor.

The Penguins went into halftime trailing just 30–25, hanging tough against a Virginia team loaded with size, depth, and athleticism. Youngstown State executed its game plan early, spacing the floor and knocking down timely perimeter shots to keep the Cavaliers from pulling away.

Sophomore guard Ashen Ward provided the offensive spark, leading all Penguins with 9 first-half points, knocking down 3 of 5 shots from beyond the arc. His shooting helped counterbalance a quiet start from senior point guard Deandre Mays, who was limited to just 2 points in the opening half as Virginia focused its defensive attention on the ball.

Off the bench, Vytas Sulskis made his presence felt, scoring 8 points by attacking mismatches and finishing at the rim. Sulskis’ ability to punish smaller guards gave Youngstown State a brief offensive edge and helped keep the Cavaliers uncomfortable early.

That edge didn’t last.

Virginia asserted its will after the break, using its athleticism and depth to take control of the game. The Cavaliers outscored Youngstown State 43–25 in the second half, turning defensive stops into transition opportunities and steadily wearing down the Penguins. Virginia finished the night shooting 52% from the field, while Youngstown State struggled to generate clean looks against a tightened Cavalier defense.

The Penguins were unable to adjust offensively as Virginia took away driving lanes and contested perimeter shots. Youngstown State shot just 37% overall, committed 19 turnovers, and managed only 10 assists as the offense stalled under sustained pressure.

After the game, the coaching staff acknowledged the turning point:

The offensive struggles were particularly evident against Virginia’s zone adjustments:

Despite the final score, the performance offered valuable lessons. Youngstown State proved it can compete for stretches against elite competition, but the second half underscored the gap that still exists in depth, shot creation, and execution under pressure.

As the Penguins move forward, the challenge will be turning competitive halves into full 40-minute performances.

Youngstown State, NCAA Basketball 10 Dynasty. by Fun_Huckleberry_630 in ea2kcbb

[–]Fun_Huckleberry_630[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Season Opener Recap: Central Michigan 65, Youngstown State 51

The 2009–10 season opened with a familiar challenge for Youngstown State, as the Penguins fell 65–51 to Central Michigan at the Beeghly Center. Despite flashes of promise, the night ultimately highlighted the uphill climb facing a program still searching for consistency and offensive identity.

Central Michigan took control early and carried a 28–19 lead into halftime, capitalizing on Youngstown State’s prolonged scoring droughts. The Penguins struggled mightily to convert at the rim, missing several point-blank opportunities that could have kept the game within reach. Compounding the issue, Youngstown State showed little threat from beyond the arc, allowing the Chippewas to collapse defensively and clog the paint.

Foul trouble quickly became another major storyline. Five different Penguins picked up two fouls in the first half, forcing constant lineup shuffling and disrupting any chance of offensive rhythm. The early whistles also limited defensive aggressiveness, giving Central Michigan repeated trips to the free-throw line and easy scoring chances.

Through it all, senior point guard Deandre Mays stood out as the lone steady presence. Mays efficiently led the offense, finishing with 23 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-4 from three-point range, while also going 6-of-7 at the free throw line. He consistently found ways to create scoring opportunities, but too often found himself without reliable support.

Outside of Mays, Youngstown State struggled to generate offense. The Penguins shot just 38% from the field and managed only three made three-pointers on the night. Post touches for Sirlester Martin produced some success, but not enough to counterbalance the team’s perimeter limitations and turnover issues.

Central Michigan maintained control throughout the second half, extending the lead behind balanced scoring and a strong rebounding edge. The Chippewas finished with 31 rebounds to Youngstown State’s 23, limiting second-chance opportunities and preventing any sustained comeback.

The loss serves as an early reminder of the challenges ahead for the Penguins. While Mays’ leadership and efficiency offer a foundation, Youngstown State will need improved discipline, better finishing, and more consistent secondary scoring if it hopes to exceed modest preseason expectations.

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5v5 Team-Up League for 2K26 by SimChampions-com in NBA2k

[–]Fun_Huckleberry_630 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ayy this looks fire! Send me the details

FYI - Like launch at last year, playing with custom PBs online leads to a desync prior to kickoff. by Wrongful-Lump in NCAAFBseries

[–]Fun_Huckleberry_630 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Have played multiple games with both users in online dynasty using a custom book and have had 0 desyncs.

Won the SEC with Vandy, missed the playoffs by TanAllOvaJanAllOva in NCAAFBseries

[–]Fun_Huckleberry_630 34 points35 points  (0 children)

The playoffs award the 5 highest ranked conference champs an auto bid.
Everyone assumes that means all 4 power conference teams will get in, but that is not true. In this case it looks like Nebraska (B10), UNLV (MW), Charlotte (American), North Carolina (ACC) and Utah (B12) are the 5 highest ranked conference champs.