BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Coming off its best season since 2019-20, expectations are high once again for Valdosta State men's basketball as the Blazers enter the 2025-26 season ranked third in the Gulf South Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll Announced Wednesday. Blazer senior forward Drew Mills was named to the All-GSC Preseason Team.

Blazer Head Coach Mike Helfer's squad is coming off a 25-7 record in 2024-25 and an 18-4 mark in Gulf South Conference, earning The Blazers a total of 108 points and receiving two first-place votes, slotting just behind Montevallo (114 points, six first-place votes) and Alabama Huntsville (111 points, four first-place votes) in one of the league's tightest preseason races in recent memory. West Alabama (86 points) and Lee (82 points) rounded out the top five.

Senior forward Drew Mills was recognized as one of the league's premier players, earning a spot on the 2025-26 Preseason All-GSC Team. Mills emerged as a dominant force for the Blazers last season, showcasing his ability to score from anywhere on the floor and anchor the defense inside. Along with Mills, Montevallo duo of Jaylen Curry and Brandon Fussell were named to the preseason all-league team as were Christian Brothers' Iman Kheirati and Delta State's Kolby Horace. 

Mills, a native of Baltimore, Md., had an outstanding first season in Titletown in 2024-25 as he played in 32 games with 29 starts logging 800 minutes and 25 minutes per game.  He went 192 of 368 from the field for a .522 average, while draining 34 triples in 82 attempts (.415) and was 36 of 49 from the line for a .735 clip.  He averaged 14.2 points per game to tie for second on the team, while he averaged 5.8 rebounds per game which was good for second on the team.  Mills had 23 steals and 20 blocks as he was one of two Blazers with over 20 steals and blocks last season.  He had 25 games in double figures and had two double-doubles last season. His leadership and consistency were pivotal to VSU's success, and his return gives the Blazers a proven star to build around this season.

VSU welcomes several exciting newcomers to the roster, including Blasie Wallace, a 6-foot-7 forward transfer from Albany State, Jose Cuello from Maryland-Eastern Shore, and Michael Batchelor from West Virginia Wesleyan. Who were all named to the GSC Men's Basketball Newcomer Watch List. 

The Blazers open their 2025-26 season in early November with non-conference action before turning their attention to the NCAA South Region Championship picture. With a challenging slate and high expectations, Valdosta State aims to make a statement not only in the GSC but across the region.

The league will take winter break December 22-28. The 2026 GSC Men's Basketball Championship is scheduled for March 2-8. Click here for the full GSC schedule.

For the third consecutive season, GSC basketball will be streamed exclusive on FloCollege. For subscription prices and how to sign-up for FloCollege, click here. 

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