PORTLAND, Ore. – This weekend marks the start of the 2015-16 campaign for the Multnomah University men's basketball team as they host two non-conference games against Douglas College on Friday and Quest University on Saturday.
 
This season is far different from any other season in head coach Curt Bickley's 13-year career at MU. The Lions prepare for their first season in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC).
 
Last year. Multnomah finished with an overall record of 8-24 and played eight games against CCC member schools.
 
With 14 newcomers between the varsity and junior varsity rosters, the Lions will have a very different look heading into the season.
 
"I'm extremely encouraged by the type of kids we have added to our program" said Coach Bickley, "Our freshman class has the potential to become fantastic ball players and our junior college transfers are going to help us stay competitive with their experience and ability."
 
The Lions averaged just over 88-points per game last season while shooting 41 percent from the field. Roughly 47 percent of MU's points last year came from behind the 3-point line as the Lions shot 34 percent while averaging 12.3 three-pointers a game.
 
Senior's Blake Updike and Jordan Paris lead a group of returners for the Lions after averaging 20.5 points and 12.4 points per game respectively.
 
With a mix of returners and junior college transfers, the Lions will still have to suffer some growing pains as they enter one of the top athletic conference in the NAIA in the Cascade Conference.
 
"We are Realistic. We know that we you cannot enter a conference as good as this one and compete right away. However, we have the plan to build off our freshman class and put a competitive team on floor with a combination of our transfers."
 
Below is a list of key returners and recruits and notable statistical information:
 
Key Returners:
 
Jordan Paris – 6-4, Senior, Forward:
Started all 31 games for the Lions last year and recorded 12.4 points per game and shot 31 percent from 3-point.
 
Blake Updike – 6-2, Senior, Guard:
Played the most minutes of any other player last year and averaged a team high 20.5 points per game. Hit 121 3-points shots last season, with a 3-point percentage at 39.3.
 
Key Recruits:
 
Ben Grandle – 6-5, Freshman, Guard:
Part of a Country Christian team that finished the 2014-15 season 28-1 and CCS Basketball 1A Champions. Named OBCA 1A Player of the Year.
 
Ezekiel Martin – 6-4, Junior, Forward:
Named to the NWACC All-Defensive Team at Clackamas Community College
 
Jason Wyncoop – 6-7, Freshman, Guard:
Named the 2015 Southern Cascade League Player of the Year averaging 21.5 points per game with nine rebounds. Earned Second Team All-State nomination and was a three-time region all-star.
 
Michael Escobedo – 6-0, Junior, Guard:
Averaged 10 points per game at Mendocino College and scored a career high 26 points against Contra Costa College.
 
The Lions will open up their season against Douglas College Friday night at 7 pm, followed by Quest University on Saturday at 2 pm.