2025-26 Union Men’s Basketball Season Preview

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – Union Commonwealth University's men's basketball team finished 10th in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) last season with an overall record of 12-15, including 8-12 in conference play. The Bulldogs' season ended with a first-round loss to Tennessee Wesleyan in the AAC Tournament.

This season, the Bulldogs return with a clear drive—not only to improve on last year's results but to continue progressing throughout the year.

Head coach Rodney Haddix, along with selected players, spoke about fall camp and expectations heading into the 2025 campaign.

Haddix said he's encouraged by what he's seen so far from his squad.

"Fall camp has gone really well," Haddix said. "The energy has been high, and the guys have come in focused and eager to improve every day.

"We've made noticeable gains in our overall athleticism and depth, which has allowed us to push the tempo more in practices. There's been a clear emphasis on conditioning, physicality, and attention to detail, and it's showing. The competitive spirit in the gym has elevated, and it's been exciting to watch that translate into daily progress."

The Bulldogs will be without two of last season's leading scorers—senior guard Sam Conley and junior guard Jeremiah Stroman—both of whom left the program due to graduating or transferring. Haddix acknowledged their impact but emphasized the opportunity their departure creates.

"Sam and Jeremiah were huge for us, and we're thankful for everything they gave to the program," Haddix said. "That said, we're excited about the opportunities this creates for other guys to step up.

"Kaleb Hedgepeth is looking strong and confident coming back from his injury, and Jabari Covington is starting to look really comfortable — he's showing signs of being ready to take on a bigger role. We've also got several other players who are hungry to contribute and ready to seize their moment."

Redshirt junior forward Kaleb Hedgepeth is expected to play a key leadership role and said he's focused on setting the tone.

"I plan to lead by example and by keeping everyone accountable," Hedgepeth said. "I'm going to bring energy, positivity, and focus every day, no matter the situation. I'll make sure our standard never drops, especially when things get tough. My goal is to push everyone to be their best so we can win together."

Sophomore guard Jabari Covington echoed that sentiment, noting his approach to leadership will also come through actions.

"I will help lead this team by getting things done on and off the court and try my best to do the same for my teammates, and always keep my teammates' confidence high so they are at their best to make plays and keep them involved so the energy doesn't drop," Covington said. "Also, bring it every day in practice so that we all can get better and be ready to win games as a team."

Covington also spoke about the chemistry the team has built over the offseason.

"I think the team is meshing very well," he said. "There are a lot of good dudes, and we all wanna see each other get better, but we also go very hard against each other every day so that we can get better. But we all know at the end of the day we are still a team, and we always got each other's back—even though practices can be very competitive and tough."

Hedgepeth wrapped up with his expectations for the team and himself this season.

"My expectations are high — I believe we have the talent and chemistry to make a deep run this year," he said. "We want to compete for a championship and show that all the work we've put in pays off. Every game, we expect to play with intensity and discipline. If we stay locked in and play together, the sky's the limit for this team."

Union opens the season on the road at Marshall Gymnasium, taking on Midway at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23.