Alex Opacic

Aug. 22, 2008

2008-09 Schedule

Greenville, S.C. -- A 13-game home slate and trips to NCAA Tournament participants Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, Davidson and Drake highlight the 2008-09 Furman men's basketball schedule, released by Director of Athletics Dr. Gary Clark on Friday.

"We are excited about this year's schedule," said third-year Paladin coach Jeff Jackson. "The fact we are playing several teams that made NCAA Tournament runs will provide a challenge and help us measure our growth as a program. We also believe our non-conference schedule will be good preparation for Southern Conference play."

Following an exhibition game versus Newberry at Timmons Arena on November 7, the Paladins tip-off the regular season hosting Emory on November 14. Furman travels to Charleston Southern (Nov. 17), Atlantic-10 member Duquesne (Nov. 23) and Big East member Notre Dame (Nov. 30) before returning home to open Southern Conference play against Appalachian State on December 3.

The Paladins will take part in the four-team Iowa Realty Invitational, hosted by 2008 NCAA Tournament participant Drake University, December 5 and 6, in Des Moines, Iowa. Furman opens the tournament against Texas-San Antonio before battling either North Carolina Central or the host Bulldogs. North Florida makes its first visit to Timmons Arena on December 18, before Furman visits Vanderbilt (Dec. 22) and hosts Berry College (Dec. 29) to close out the non-conference schedule.

Furman continues its 20-game SoCon schedule in January with home contests against Western Carolina, The Citadel, College of Charleston and UNC Greensboro. On January 21, the Paladins travel to Belk Arena to battle Elite Eight participant Davidson. The Wildcats return the visit on February 14, when they visit Greenville, S.C., for a 4 p.m. contest. The Paladins also host SoCon newcomer Samford, Chattanooga, Georgia Southern and Wofford during February.

The SoCon Tournament takes place March 6-9, at the McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Furman returns eight lettermen and one redshirt from last year's squad that finished 7-23 overall and 6-14 in the Southern Conference. Senior forward Alex Opacic and sophomore guard Justin Dehm highlight the returnees after pacing the Paladins averaging 10.5 and 10.4 points per game, respectively.

NOTE: The Paladins have added 2008 Furman graduate Nate Muse to the staff as director of basketball operations. Muse, who served as team manager while a student at Furman, will handle coordinating team travel and video exchange among other duties.