On the Rise: EU Men’s Basketball Starts a Successful Season

Luke Smith (2) prepares to pass the ball during the EU vs. Hope College game on Nov. 12. (PC: Lorrie Decker)

The Bluejays’ season tipped off with a 71-66 win against Hope College at R.A Faganel Hall on Nov. 12 and a 75-50 win over Wisconsin Lutheran on Nov 15. The Men’s Basketball team is projected to finish in third place in the CCIW (College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin), according to the preseason coaches’ poll.

This year’s roster is full of experience, as four out of the top five high scorers from last year’s team are returning, and many players are primed for a breakout season.

“We have a huge number of returning players from last season that have improved dramatically,” said John Baines, Head Basketball Coach. “The commitment they’ve made to their games this off-season is certainly reflected in their lofty goals.”

One player taking on a larger role this season is Dominic Trelenberg. Trelenberg started every game last year for the Bluejays and will likely be the leader in most statistical categories for his senior season.

“Dom Trelenberg is a returning all-league player who is now transformed into one of the CCIW’s best players,” said Baines. “He and Sebastian Blachut are our captains, and they have both raised their ability level and leadership skills tremendously.”

The season will start with a half dozen non-conference games before getting into CCIW play. Elmhurst University will begin the road to conference with a game against Wheaton College on Dec. 6.

The Bluejays will have the opportunity to play every other team in the CCIW twice, once at home and once on the road. The top six teams will make the Conference Tournament.

Trelenberg is confident in the team and has set a clear objective.

“Our main goal this year is to excel in the CCIW and win the championship for that,” said Trelenberg. “Also to make the NCAA tournament and make a run.”

The last time EU made the NCAA tournament was during the 2023-2024 season, where they were a first-round exit. However, the Bluejays had some previous success when they were runner-ups in the 2021-2022 tournament.

Even with so many returners from last year’s team, who knows what this team will look like and turn out to be?

“Our identity is that we are a very physical team that loves to play with one another,” said Trelenberg. “We fly around on defense and move the ball on offense. Fans should know that this group is relentless, and no matter what adversity gets thrown at us, we will find a way to fight through it.”

It will take more than just the returners from last year’s team to go as far as the players want to go. This year’s team will feature ten new players, eight being incoming freshmen, along with two transfers.

While being unproven at the college level, those players could certainly make a difference. Freshman Luke Smith started in his first collegiate game and made a huge impact, even making a late-game 3-pointer to extend the Bluejay lead against Hope.

“The new players are learning exponentially from the minute they got to Elmhurst, and much has to do with the large amount of work we ask of them in our program,” said Coach Baines. “I believe their effort will pay off down the line, and they will deserve victory when it comes to them.”