The Piedmont men’s basketball team is locked and loaded with a blend of new and returning talent as it enters the 2025–2026 season. The Lions return all 14 players from last year’s roster, including four first-year students who made strong early impressions in their debut season.
“It’s awesome to have that experience of the upper-level students mixed with the young talent coming in,” said new head coach JC Cavin. “I’m excited to see what we’ve been working on in practice be executed on the court this year.”
Piedmont enters the season projected to finish third in the Collegiate Conference of the South, following last year’s postseason loss to eventual CCS champion Huntingdon College. The defeat has fueled the Lions’ competitive fire, sharpening their focus as they prepare for a deeper run this time around.
“This year our focus is to close out games and make the winning plays in crunch time,” said senior guard Dylan Patrick. “We’re focusing on the little things, the details that will make our team better. If we take care of those things, we’ll be excellent come the end of the season.”
The offseason brought significant change as former assistant coach JC Cavin stepped into the head coaching role, a move that energized both the team and the Demorest community. His leadership has already made an impact.
“Coach Cavin has brought a lot of energy to this team,” said senior guard Javi Marlowe. “He has a lot of basketball knowledge and truly understands the game. We know what he expects from us, and he’s instilled the confidence that we can not only win the CCS, but also make the NCAA Tournament.”
Four games into the new campaign, Piedmont has shown exactly why expectations are rising. The Lions are 3–1 and riding a three-game win streak, having defeated Toccoa Falls, Warren Wilson and Sewanee.
“You can expect our team to be physical on both ends of the floor this season,” stated Cavin. “We’re going to be a disciplined group that plays its best whether at home or on the road. I know we’re going to make a statement this year.”
Through their first four contests, the Lions have already made their presence felt, setting a tone that has future opponents taking notice. On November 25, Piedmont faces its toughest test yet as it travels to Charleston, South Carolina, for a Division I exhibition matchup against Charleston Southern. This challenge will reveal just how much the rejuvenated squad is capable of.
