Charlotte 49ers men’s and women’s basketball teams are entering the 2024-25 season with reconstructed rosters. Each team has some players standing out and looking to make an immediate impact in the green and white.
Below are some preseason accolades and season previews for the basketball squads.
Preseason MVP
Giancarlo Rosado (MBB)
Rosado has been the standout on the men’s team, transferring in from Florida Atlantic and having stood out by bringing passion and energy inside the paint while providing vocal leadership on the court.
In his first outing with Charlotte in a preseason exhibition against Georiga, he scored 16 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal. He looks to be a go-to option inside, someone who will help the team in the box score and mentally bring and keep the energy.
Hayleigh Breland (WBB)
Implementing a new system and culture will be a critical factor in the team’s success under a new head coach. Hayleigh Breland came with Head Coach Tomeka Reed from Jackson State, where she shined and should be able to shine again while wearing the green and white.
In her first showing in Halton Arena, playing against Newberry in an exhibition, she scored 14 points, leading the Niners to a 78-40 win. Her ability to be a pure scorer for the team can provide stability on the offensive end.
X-factor
Nik Graves (MBB)
Nik Graves is one of the key players returning for the 49ers and a significant factor in the team’s ability to succeed as he transitions from playing the off-guard last year to being the team’s point guard.
His ability to adapt to the change in role will be instrumental in what the offense is capable of doing in the new season. It was a learning process in the exhibition outing against Georgia, but the chemistry between him and his teammates should grow with more time on the court together.
Keanna Rembert (WBB)
One of the few returners to the program is Keanna Rembert, her progression as an inside player will be a critical factor for the team. Her ability to provide an inside presence defensively and as an offensive threat will be crucial to the team’s success.
The team is currently a little short on depth on the inside, so Rembert’s ability to stay out of foul trouble and contribute will be crucial to make up for the depth this season.
Most impactful newcomer of the year
Jaehshon Thomas (MBB)
One of the highly regarded transfers for the men’s squad is JUCO transfer Jaehshon Thomas, who averaged 16 points per game last season at Florida Southwestern and has the potential to be a dynamic offensive threat at the Division I level.
In his first test of the transition to the D1 level, Thomas faced off against a Power Four team in Georiga and showed that his game could translate. He scored 10 points on 4-7 shooting while dishing out two assists and showing prowess on the defensive side with a pair of steals.
Kay Kay Green (WBB)
Coming in from Texas A&M, guard Kay Kay Green looks to be primed for a significant impact in year one of Coach Reed’s program as Green brings stellar play on both ends of the court.
Green prides herself to be a pass first point guard while also strong defensive play and it was on full display in the team’s preseason exhibition against Newberry where Green dished out four assists and plucked six steals from the Wolves.
Men's preview
Women's preview
Season opener
Charlotte 49ers basketball begins the season with a doubleheader hosting Presbyterian at Halton Arena on Monday, Nov. 4, with the women's team set for tip-off at 5:30 p.m. and the men's team set to begin after that game.
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