As the 2025-26 basketball season at Rollins begins, the men’s team is aiming for a strong start to set the tone for the months ahead.
The men’s team opened their season on the road in Georgia where they fell in a narrow 74-76 loss against Fort Valley State University after keeping the matchup close from start to finish. Despite the results, the qualities that Assistant Coach Kevin Dux emphasized were on display — “The biggest strengths of this team [are] the depth, size and experience we have,” he said. “We have a lot of guys who have had previous success in college basketball. We have good positional size and strength [in] all positions and should be a very physical and disciplined team.”
Despite their loss on the road, the men’s team responded with a dramatic finish in their home opener. With the score tied in the final seconds, Matus Malovec (’27) pushed the ball up and sank a last-second basket just before the buzzer, securing their first win of the season. The atmosphere in the Alfond Sports Center was lively, and the fans seemed hopeful for a strong season.
The team enters the season with clear goals. Dux said the team hopes “to compete to be in the top of our conference and make it to the NCAA Tournament,” a target that reflects both the ambition and confidence of the roster.
The team’s preparation focuses on conditioning and developing chemistry among players from diverse backgrounds, including several transfers. Dux said the group has been working since the first day of classes in August, beginning with shorter sessions before transitioning into a more intense in-season schedule. “Now that we are in season, we have had a month of powerful two-hour practices,” he said. “They have been in the weight room about four days a week trying to maintain their strength they built up in the offseason.”
One of the most significant components for the team this season is how quickly its new roster can build chemistry. “Seeing how they all come together as a team to see if we can reach our full potential” is what Dux said he is most looking forward to. He added that the challenge of having numerous transfers is building connections: “We have a lot of individual talent, so I’m looking forward to seeing them connect and grow as a team.”
As the men’s team settles into the rhythm of the new season, Rollins fans can look ahead to continued development and competitive play throughout the months ahead.
For schedules, results, and live broadcasts, fans can follow the season through the official Rollins athletics website.
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