While most of the college basketball world keeps its lens fixed on high-major headlines, we’re spinning the spotlight toward a program that’s been quietly building something special in the Midwest. Welcome to Around the Country in Two Minutes, where Unit One Hoop Source highlights the programs that matter—even when no one else is watching.
This time, we’re locking in on Youngstown State—a mid-major on the rise under the sharp, calculated direction of second-year head coach Ethan Faulkner. In just over a year, Faulkner has infused the Penguins with toughness, identity, and balance, leveraging transfers and underrated recruits to build a team with staying power in the Horizon League.
Youngstown State isn’t just assembling talent—they’re building a culture. And while national media may continue to overlook programs like this, we’re here to remind you that high-level basketball lives well beyond the blue bloods.
So let’s take a deep dive into what Faulkner and his staff have constructed for the 2025–26 campaign—and why Youngstown State is one of the most intriguing mid-major teams in the country heading into the new season
This 2024–25 preview shows Coach Faulkner’s vision and the grit fueling Youngstown State’s rise. That same energy powers the Penguins into an exciting 2025–26 season. Keep reading for an exclusive deep dive on the new roster!
✨ 🚀 The Offseason Overhaul: Adding Depth & Experience
Faulkner proudly announced the addition of nine versatile players:
- Tae Blackshear (R‑Jr, G, 6’6″): McLennan CC product, averaged 12.2 PPG, 44.1% 3PT—lengthy perimeter weapon.
- Bryson Dawkins (Sr, G, 6’2″): Houston Christian transfer, 14.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 41-game double-figure scorer, with a career-high 41 pts.
- Jaiden Haynes (Fr, G, 6’3″): Atlanta guard, 20 PPG, 6 RPG, 3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 55% FG, 42% 3PT.
- Andrew “Drew” King (R‑Jr, G, 6’3″): Elon alum, 4.7 PPG, 3.4 APG, 1.88 AST/TO ratio.
- Cam Polak (6th Yr, G, 6’2″): Cal‑Pa veteran, 18.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 81 3PT made, a consistent all-conference shooter.
- Tyler Robinett (6th Yr, F, 6’8″): College of Idaho veteran, averaged 9.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, hit 52 3-pointers, NAIA national champion.
- Rich Rolf (R‑Jr, F, 6’8″): Charlotte transfer, 17.2 MPG with two Ohio state titles in high school.
- Vlad Salaridze (6th Yr, F, 6’7″): UT‑Martin transfer, 10.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG, with eight double-doubles.
- Connor Swider (Fr, F, 6’9″): New England wing, 16 PPG, 40% 3PT, top‑five shooter status.
🗝️ Faulkner says:
“We attacked recruiting from every angle…players with resumes ranging from all-conference to national champion…a roster that can compete at the top of our league.”
🔬 🏀 Deep-Dive Scouting Report
🧠 Tae Blackshear – R‑Jr, Guard, 6’6″
Strengths: Long-range shooting, defensive versatility, efficient 3PT (44.1%)
Weaknesses: Needs seasoning in PnR and decision-making
High-upside two-way wing whose size gives YSU matchup flexibility.
🔥 Bryson Dawkins – Sr, Guard, 6’2″
Strengths: Scoring punch, rebounding guard (4.8 RPG), clutch mentality
Weaknesses: Defensive consistency
A proven scorer who threatens in mid-range and beyond.
🧨 Jaiden Haynes – Fr, Guard, 6’3″
Strengths: All-around stat line, aggressive defense, high efficiency
Weaknesses: Adjusting to college physicality
Instant spark candidate and lockdown wing in the making.
🧭 Andrew King – R‑Jr, Guard, 6’3″
Strengths: Assist-to-turnover control, bench leadership
Weaknesses: Limited scoring volume
Valuable playmaker and stabilizer off the bench.
🎯 Cam Polak – 6th Yr, Guard, 6’2″
Strengths: 3-point accuracy, veteran IQ, shooting consistency
Weaknesses: Athletic limitations
Sharpshooter who stretches defenses and provides reliable scoring.
🛡️ Tyler Robinett – 6th Yr, Forward, 6’8″
Strengths: Floor spacing (52 threes), veteran presence
Weaknesses: Physical defense
Stretch big with championship experience in Intel.
⚡ Rich Rolf – R‑Jr, Forward, 6’8″
Strengths: Athleticism, transition scoring, high motor
Weaknesses: Ball-handling under pressure
Versatile forward bridging tempos and energies.
🧱 Vlad Salaridze – 6th Yr, Forward, 6’7″
Strengths: Rebounding, double-double machine, interior toughness
Weaknesses: Limited 3pt range
Paint presence and effort bring grit to the frontcourt.
🧬 Connor Swider – Fr, Forward, 6’9″
Strengths: Size, shooting touch, stretch at the five
Weaknesses: Developing physique
High-upside freshman who can grow into a frontcourt anchor.
📊 🚦 Returning Core & Statistical Context
Key returners (2024–25):
• Jason Nelson (R-Sr, G, 5’10”) Returning playmaker at point guard; will control tempo and late-clock possessions.
- Gabe Dynes (Jr, C, 7’3”) – 21.8 MPG,
Elite rim protector: led the nation with 3.1 BPG and 104 blocks in 2024–25
🟣 Penguins Stats 2024–25 (Sports-Reference):
- 76.4 PPG, 5.3 BPG (top 12% nationally), 36.5 RPG, 13.8 APG
🛡️ Defensive identity driven by interior protection and rebounding grit. - 🔄 Rotational Depth
- Shaheed Solebo (R-Fr, G, 6’4″) – length and perimeter upside
- Cris Carroll (Sr, F, 6’6″) – 3-and-D versatility
- Markus Navarra (Fr, F, 6’8″) – developmental forward
🎯 🔮 Season Projection & Outlook
With nine transfers bringing shooting, length, interior toughness, and bench versatility, Youngstown State is charted for a serious Horizon League run:
Projected Horizon Record: 12–6
Overall Wins: 22–10
Postseason: Title game contender; NIT or NCAA auto-bid potential
🔥 Key Matchups to Watch: Backcourt rotations, transition efficiency, and defensive rebounding against top conference foes.
📣 Coach Faulkner’s Closing Insight
“We’ve added the right kind of people… All are proven, productive players… We are fully confident we have put a roster together that can compete at the top of our league.”
“I cannot wait to get our team to campus and get to work!”
📈 Final Word
The Penguins are no longer silent contenders. With an infusion of talent, veteran leadership, and a defensive mindset, Youngstown State is officially in the Horizon conversation—and they’re ready to prove that mid-major teams can steal the spotlight.
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