The University of South Carolina Aiken men's basketball team begins a new era with first-year head coach Mark Vanderslice at the helm, taking over the program.

The cupboard was far from bare for Vanderslice upon taking over the team as he begins his first season with an experienced squad that includes a redshirt-senior, four seniors, a redshirt-junior, two juniors, two sophomores and a pair of freshman.

The program suffered a 13-16 record a season ago, but with the amount of returning talent and the addition of a transfer, a junior-college standout and two rookies, Vanderlice's team could make a run not only in the Peach Belt Conference, but make a push for a coveted berth in the NCAA Tournament.

"The team is beginning to understand how to play as one unit," Vanderslice said. "Every guy knows he has a role to play and the team is buying into what we are trying to accomplish. I'm excited for the outcome and for the challenges ahead."

GUARD

Redshirt-senior Keith Belfield missed most of last season due to an injury. However, the second-year standout looks to be in fine form for this year. Through the first seven games a season ago, Belfield netted 15.4 points and added 4.4 rebounds a contest while draining 84.9 percent of his free throws.

"Keith is a versatile three-man," Vanderslice stated. "We are looking at him to be a scoring punch for the team. He can add extra rebounding opportunities with his height. Keith has a strong leadership presence about him and we will need it this season."

Senior Jordan Foster played in 28 games, earning 13 starts during his first year with the program. He accounted for 4.1 points a night and was solid in the late portion of the season, including a 14-point performance in the win over Francis Marion.

"Jordan is one of five seniors," Vanderslice said. "He is strong and physical. Jordan does a great job penetrating into the paint and breaking down defenses. We will look for him to set the tempo for the defense."

Redshirt-junior Gavin Stephenson has been with the program for a pair of seasons, having redshirted during the 2013-14 campaign. Last year, he played in 23 contests, netting 1.3 points a game.

"Gavin has done a really good job playing to his strengths," Vanderslice mentioned. "He gets the ball to the middle of the paint and plays great defense. He will really extend teams on the perimeter with his improved shot and he can also get to the paint off the drive."

Sophomore David Belfield saw an abundance of action during his rookie campaign, playing in 21 games while starting three. He progressed throughout the season and finished by averaging 1.7 points a contest.

"We will look for him to come in and add the experience he gained from last season," Vanderslice said. "He is a vocal leader, a hard worker and can get the rest of the team motivated day-in and day-out."

Sophomore Albert Miller III saw plenty of time on the court during his freshman season. He played in 26 games, totaling 3.8 points a night. Miller III drained 40.6 percent of his shots from behind the three-point stripe.

"Albert is a quick on-ball defender," Vanderslice stated. "He is deceiving for his size and can shoot the ball at a high level with deep range. Albert is quick and crafty. He also plays great defense."

Junior transfer Jevon Patton attended Northeastern Oklahoma JC the previous two seasons. There, he averaged seven points and a pair of assists a contests. Patton is a smart decision maker and could bring a lot to the program.

"Jevon is a point guard that will be a leader for the team," Vanderslice mentioned. "He will have to be a general on the floor. Jevon is a pass first, shoot second type of player. He will have to lead the team by running the offense and by playing great defense."

Freshman Glen Campbell attended Nuese Christian Academy. There, he netted 20 points per game his senior season while picking up Conference Player of the Year accolades.

"Glen will have to do a good job of playing some minutes at the point guard position and backing up some at the shooting guard spot," Vanderslice said. "He'll have to help take care of the ball and get the team into the offense."

Rookie Andrew Glover attended Hargrave Mililtary Academy last season. There, he poured in 14 points a night and canned 49 percent of his three-point attempts. Glover posted 37 points against Guilford.

"Andrew is learning the ropes from the senior-laden team," Vanderslice stated. "He is a good shooter that has experience of playing with athletes on a day-to-day basis."

FORWARD

Senior Arbry Butler came on strong during the second half of last season. He played in 21 games, starting 16 times. Butler accounted for 7.4 points and 5.1 rebounds while leading the team with 59 blocks for the season.

"Arbry's length and athleticism will cause problems for teams," Vanderslice said. "We will look to play an inside-outside game and he'll be a huge part of it. Arbry should score at a high level this season."

Senior Hendrix Emu played in 17 games, earning seven starts a season ago. He contributed 8.9 points and 3.8 boards a contest while hitting 46.5 percent of his shots from the floor.

"Hendrix is the best vertical athlete on the team," Vanderslice stated. "We will look to him for his extra athletic drive. Hendrix is a three and four man who can extend the perimeter. He can knock down the outside shot and score in the paint while also causing match-up problems."

Senior Tavares Sledge transferred to USC Aiken during the 2014-15 season from Wright State. During his sophomore season, Sledge, who stands at 6-8, played in 34 games, starting 23 while finishing second on the team in rebounds. Sledge accounted for 13 points against Green Bay that season.

"Tavares is a hybrid four-man who can extend teams on the perimeter by knocking down three-point shots and by taking advantage of smaller posts in the paint," Vanderslice said. "He has the capability of playing with his back to the basket and can be effective there."

Junior Kyle Buffkin, who stands at 6-10, transferred from Coastal Carolina prior to the fall semester. Through his first two seasons with the Chanticleers, Buffkin appeared in 24 contests. He played a career-high 11 minutes on a pair of occasions

"We are counting on Kyle to really clog up the middle and play good defense," Vanderslice stated. "We are looking for him to rebound at a high level and give us great size in the post."

SCHEDULE

"Overall, the schedule is a great test for us," Vanderslice said. "The non-conference portion of the slate is tough and there is no better way to get ready for the Peach Belt Conference than by playing great teams early on. We are looking to play the best of the best night-in and night-out this season."

USC Aiken opens its season against No. 6 Mount Olive in the Barton Classic on Nov. 13. The following day, Vanderslice's team competes against the host Bulldogs of Barton.

The Pacers play three of their next four contests in front of the home fans in the Convocation Center. USC Aiken opens its home slate against Paine Nov. 18. Three days later, the team hosts Carson-Newman.

After a short break, the Pacers return to the hardwood against the defending National Champions in Florida Southern Nov. 29. The team squares off against Piedmont International Dec. 3 before making the trek to King Dec. 12.

The squad travels to Georgia College (Dec. 16) and Columbus State (Dec. 19) before taking a break for the holidays. Upon returning from the off period, the team opens 2016 with games at Armstrong State (Jan. 2) and Flagler (Jan. 4).

The Pacers host UNC Pembroke (Jan. 6) and Flagler (Jan. 9) before a two-game stretch at Lander (Jan. 13) and Georgia Southwestern (Jan. 16). After a home date against Montevallo (Jan. 18), the team makes the trek to Florence, S.C., for a contest at Francis Marion (Jan. 23).

USC Aiken plays four of its next five outings at home, starting with the contest against the Pirates (Jan. 27). The squad entertains Young Harris (Jan. 30) before a trip to UNC Pembroke (Feb. 3). The team hosts Lander (Feb. 6) for Homecoming and takes on Clayton State (Feb. 10) in the Convocation Center.

The Pacers travel to nearby Augusta (Feb. 13) for a battle before continuing their road trip at North Georgia (Feb. 17). The team hosts the Patriots and Jaguars for the final two regular-season contests and could host a first-round PBC game as well.