5X社区鈥檚 men鈥檚 basketball team won the 2023 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship and appeared in the NCAA Tournament. As the team prepares to tip off its 2023-2024 season on Monday, Nov. 6, against Malone University at home in the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center, the Golden Flashes look to some family connections to help propel this year鈥檚 team.
Guard , a native of Columbus, Ohio, and the MAC鈥檚 reigning , doesn鈥檛 have to look far for a very familiar face to help coach and guide him both on and off the court. His uncle, , serves as assistant head coach with the Golden Flashes. Julian Sullinger knows what it takes to win at Kent State, having played four years with the team and capturing two conference championships. Both Sullingers were recruited by , the all-time winningest coach in program history, who begins his 13th season as Kent State鈥檚 head coach.
鈥淭o be able to do that with your family 鈥 true family 鈥 is a really special thing that years from now they鈥檒l both really cherish,鈥 Senderoff said during an regarding the Sullingers being able to experience the basketball season together.
The family ties do not end there. Also on the team is , of Solon, Ohio, a redshirt junior who transferred from Duquesne. Bekelja鈥檚 brother is , who graduated this past spring. Carry was a vital contributor to the team鈥檚 successful season last year and was recently chosen in the 2023 NBA G League Draft by the Memphis Hustle.
鈥淚 really want to play for coach Senderoff,鈥 Bekelja told News Channel 5. 鈥淐an鈥檛 wait to play in front of Kent State finally. Can鈥檛 wait to have my parents come and watch me again.鈥