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Raised expectations is what this year's edition of Tiger basketball anticipates. With seven returning lettermen, one redshirt freshman guard, and one redshirt post from Chattahoochie Community College, the Tigers expect improvement over last sea­son when the squad was all freshmen and sophomores. 

Unfortunately, David Layne, who was the second leading scorer as a freshman, moved to California and did not return. However, the addition of 6'6" 275 lb. Rico Stanley in the post should help reduce the loss of Layne.

Justin Browner, a 5'8" combo point/wing from Marietta, Ga returns his 17-point average and honorable mention All-NCAA mid-east region selection to the team for his third year as a Tiger. According to coach Nelson, justin can split the seams and hit the three. With quick hands and feet Browner was second in steals per game last season. complementing Browner is another quick-handed full speed ahead guard from Covington, LA Joel Bailey. At 5'10" Joel brings a heart full of hustle to each practice and game and was the third leading rebounder from last year and lead the team in steals.

Tylar Johnson from Akron, Ohio, is a strong physical point guard who competes fiercely. Tylar was a rookie last year who had been away from basketball for a few years but lead the team in assists. Lazerick Boyd from Memphis is a 6'4" combo­post/wing who does a little of everything. Coach Nelson said 'Z' needs to look for his catch and shoot offense more instead of drive first, mainly because he can shoot the three well." 

Cody Carson from Oneida, is a designated bomber who led the team in charges drawn last year. Carson is expected to continue providing long range shooting while continuing his defensive efforts. Brandon Carpenter from Lenoir City, is a 6'3" small post who brings an excellent basketball IQ, unself­ish attitude on both ends of the floor and some streaky offense from long range. Carpenter was second in charges drawn last year. Tyrece Irons from Oak Ridge, is a redshirt fresh­man who brings a strong body to the guard position. Irons has range and power at 6' and plays within himself for maxi­mum impact on both ends of the floor. Jeff Golden returns his 6'7" size and 83" reach for his second year of organized basketball . Golden is from Marietta, Ga. and led the team in blocked shots and averaged 10 points the last 10 games. Rico Stanley from Colombus, Ga. brings a great basketball IQ and a powerful body with a soft touch to the post. A redshirt last year, Stanley has an assort­ment of post moves and can be called upon to shoot the three ball. Jeff Waggoner is a sophomore from Nashville, who has a strong powerful game, a decep­tively accurate 3 point shot, but needs more improvement in the floor game.

The greatest adjustments freshmen have to make is the consistent effort every day in practice and learning a new system, but the freshmen are making good strides in those areas and Coach Nelson feels good things are ahead for this group.

The Hiwassee Tigers took a blow when Golden was not allowed to practice, workout or play for a month while some medical tests were conducted. fortunately, those tests came back negative and he is expect­ed to rejoin the team for the fourth game of the season.

Overall, the Tigers face a strong schedule with two NCAA division 1 teams, three NCAA D-II teams, two NCAA D-III, six NAIA teams, and six NCCAA teams which the Tigers are members in the same athletic association.

Some local games for the Monroe County fan base include, Bryan College, Carson-Newman University, LMU, Sewanee college and Covenant College.

Homecoming will be Saturday, Nov. 17, when Bob Jones University comes to Rudy Youell Gymnasium. Tip-off time is 3 p.m. for the women's game and 5 p.m. for the men's game.

Come out and see the Tigers in 2012-2013.

For ticket information call 423-420-1235 and ask for the athletic office.