PORTLAND – In a much anticipated fashion, Monday marked the beginning of a new era for Warner Pacific University Men's Basketball as Jamayne Potts, who was announced as the new Head Men's Basketball Coach in September, along with six new players took the court for the first time donning Columbia Blue. Taking over the program in the middle of a pandemic provided one challenge, but being sidelined from taking the court in practice or competition was another. The Knights last took the hardwood on February 26, 2020 and were itching for some runs in whatever fashion they may come. For Potts and his program, that time came in an exhibition game in Greeley, Colorado versus NCAA Division I Northern Colorado.
 
Returning just three players from the 2019-20 season (Miles Brown, Kadeem Strickland and Kaleb Tompkins) and limited court time, Potts felt it important for the guys to travel together, "This trip and this game were excellent for us on a variety of levels" he said. "The trip allowed everyone to get to know each other a lot better, on and off the court. Both the trip and the game enabled us to become a better team". Despite a stellar performance from newcomer Isaac Etter (Los Angeles, Calif.), the Knights fell 60-89 to the Bears. "I was proud of our guys for the way we handled a very challenging situation; being on the road, playing with six players, being out of shape, only practicing for three weeks, and this being our first game" coach Potts stated. "As a team, we are very intrigued with the direction our program is heading in (which is only up) because we know we have so much room for improvement" he added.
 
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The Rundown
With only six players eligible to play and little time on the court, the Knights showed an impressive effort with three of the six scoring in double figures: Isaac Etter (23), Drew Magaoay (14) and Miles Brown (13). Early on it was clear they had been out of rhythm for some time, struggling to find the flow of the game again. Senior forward and one of three returners, Miles Brown, got into foul trouble early, earning three fouls in the first eight minutes of the game. Demonstrating his trust in his players, Coach Potts left Brown in and the senior produced. Newcomer and transfer out of Glendale Community College, Isaac Etter, coming off the bench, scored 17 points in the first half and heading into the intermission the Knights trailed by 10.
 
The second half the fatigue kicked in and the Bears pulled away with the lead, eventually extending it to 20 with just over eight minutes left. At this point, it was now just about the guys having the chance to compete, which not too long ago was a far-fetched dream. Showing promise and determination, the Knights continued to fight and attack the Bears. Perhaps the most impressive stat line of the night was the turnover battle; Warner Pacific committed just six turnovers while forcing 14. The Knights shot 87% to UNC's 64% from the stripe. Kaleb Tompkins grabbed nine boards, earning the team-high honor. After the explosive 17 point first-half, Isaac Etter finished with 23 to lead the Knights while Shoreline Community College transfer Drew Magaoay scored a quiet 14.
 
Deeper Look
The Knights return their 2019-20 leading scorer (15 ppg) and Portland native, Kadeem Strickland
Javon Peterson made his Warner Pacific debut
All six players scored at least two points on the night
 
 
Flash Forward
At this time, the Knights have no further competitions scheduled but on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, it was announced that the Oregon Health Authority had approved the Cascade Collegiate Conference's Return to Play Protocol, giving the green light to play high-contact sports, including men's basketball. A schedule is projected to be announced in the coming weeks, with the possibility of games beginning as early as March 19^th.