The Trio of Talented Belmont Basketball Freshmen

Cooper Haynes, Photo Courtesy of Belmont Athletics

Even with Belmont men’s basketball gaining five transfers during the offseason, the Bruins added three freshmen who will look to make an impact during their four years at Belmont.  

Eoin Dillion  

Dillion, a 6-foot, 9-inch forward from Peoria, Illinois, is excited for the season ahead.  

Averaging 18.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.0 steals per game as a senior for Peoria Notre Dame, Dillon said he felt right at home during his visit to Belmont. 

“I chose Belmont because of the culture, and it just felt like a loving community,” Dillion said. “Everybody was inviting, and it was just great meeting everybody on my official visit.” 

Dillion also said the jump from high school basketball to college basketball has been going smoothly. 

“It’s been easy to transition. My high school was pretty quick and fast-paced, so it was an easy transition to get into,” he said. 

With a frontcourt that has question marks about depth, Dillion said he is hopeful to see the court this season to do whatever is needed of him. 

“I really want to do my best to do my role, play my part in the game and help my teammates win,” he said.  

Jabez Jenkins 

Jenkins, a guard from Covington, Georgia and a 2024 Atlanta Journal-Constitution All-State player was able to pick up on some of the team dynamic by watching the 2023 season.  

Watching the team play fast defense, shooting the ball well, and experiencing the general atmosphere during his visit played a crucial part of his decision to become a Bruin, he said.

“When I came to my visit, everybody came out to support me and my family,” Jenkins said. “They all play like a family. I just want to be a part of that.”  

Although different from the high school game, Jenkins said he was able to pick up the high intensity and fast-paced environment.  

“I’ve just been learning and tuning up things that I already knew from high school,” Jenkins said. “Everything is different for sure, but I’m bettering myself and preparing myself for this season.” 

By improving his game, Jenkins said he is hoping to win the Missouri Valley Conference and advance to March Madness this upcoming season.   

Cooper Haynes 

Haynes, a four-star and the No. 54 shooting guard in the nation from Memphis, Tennessee said he is eager to develop and showcase his skill at a higher level.  

As the all-time leading scorer in Tennessee Division II-AA history, Haynes scored 2,688 career points at Briarcrest Christian. 

For Haynes, his fit for Belmont was “definitely my style of basketball,” and he felt immediate support from the program through his recruitment process, he said.  

During the offseason, one of Haynes’ biggest lessons has been from the upperclassmen, being mentored and taught by some of the returning team members.  

Using that knowledge, Haynes said he is excited to hopefully make it to March Madness while continuing to learn from his coaches and teammates. 

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 This article was written by Emily Garver