ALLENDALE – The Grand Valley State men's basketball team is set to open the regular season this weekend when they host Walsh and Ashland. The Lakers will begin the new season on Friday (Nov. 8) against Walsh at 2:00 PM before playing Ashland on Sunday (Nov. 10) at 1:00 PM.
 
Walsh: Live Video | Live Stats | Live Audio | Tickets
Ashland: Live Video | Live Stats | Live Audio | Tickets
 
GVSU opened up the new season with three exhibition games at Toledo, Nebraska, and No. 15 ranked Purdue. 
 
Cornell Mann enters his third season as head coach for GVSU. Mann has led the Lakers to a 34-27 record in his first two seasons, including a trip to the GLIAC tournament championship a season ago. 
 
GVSU returns six of their top eight scorers from last season, including three that averaged double figures in scoring. All-GLIAC performers Ethan Alderink and William Dunn return after each averaged in double figures in scoring last season. Alderink notched 11.5 points per game on 48.5% shooting from the field, while Dunn put up 11.2 points on 48.8% shooting from the field and 46% from three.
 
Point guards Mason Docks and Trevor Smith Jr. return after earning All-GLIAC defensive honors last season. Docks scored 10 points a game and led GVSU with 35 steals. Smith Jr. led the Lakers with 102 assists and was third with 31 steals. Jalen Charity also returns for GVSU after appearing in all 31 games last season making 30 starts.
 
Walsh went 24-6 last season, winning the GMAC tournament championship and earned a berth into the NCAA tournament. The Cavaliers return two of their top three returning scorers including their top scorer Kobe Mitchell who averaged 16.8 points. Mitchell hauled in over four rebounds while also shooting 45% from the field and 42% from three. Zack Oddo returns after scoring 11.8 points and a team high seven rebounds. Oddo shot a team best 54% from the field and 48% from three. 
 
Ashland went 17-11 last season and defeated GVSU 62-61 in Ashland in the season opener last year. The Eagles lost their top three scorers but return Maceo Williams who scored 14.5 points last season. Williams also hauled in 6.6 rebounds while shooting 65% from the field. Cooepr Davis is back for the Eagles after averaging eight points while shooting 44% from the field and 45% from three. 
 
Both games will be streamed live on FloSports and can be listened live on the radio on Thunder Country 107.3. Visit gvsulakers.com for links to live video, live stats, and live audio and follow @gvsubasketball on Twitter for live in-game updates all weekend long.