BALTIMORE, MD – One year after shocking the United East Conference with a run to the conference finals in just their second year as a program, the Notre Dame of Maryland men's basketball team will no longer be hidden from the spotlight. The Gators have been picked as the #3 ranked team according to the United East preseason coaches' poll including a first place vote, signaling that the league will no longer be taken by surprise in the third year of the program's history.
 
Head coach TJ Jordan made incredible strides in the 2024-25 season with a 16-13 overall record; especially considering their record in 2023-24 where they went 3-19. The Gators went 10-6 in United East Conference play last season, earning them the #6 seed in the tournament. The amazing season continued as they won three playoff games before losing in the finals to #1 seeded Bryn Athyn.
 
"We have had a good preseason," said coach Jordan. "The buy in from our new guys is a testament to the mindset that our returners have brought since day one of this season.  They have set goals for the season and understand that to achieve those goals they must bring it every day."
 
The 2025-26 team returns seven players including Jackson Pugh, Anthony Wright, Chandler Johnson, Amari Bell, Azaan Sheikh, Jahbreco Dacosta, and Dylan Long. Those seasoned veterans will see a boost from some high-level transfers, particularly from Maryland junior colleges as Marlon Lewis, Ricardo Ross, and Carlos Green bring collegiate experience to the squad.
 
"I am excited to see the growth of our squad as we progress through the season," said coach Jordan on the state of his team. "A ton of talent, now we just have to make sure we get everyone on the same page."
 
The Gators will play their first 15 games on the road, including a grueling non-conference schedule that includes NCAA Division I teams such as UMBC and Towson. NDM will go to invitational tournaments at Hood College, Susquehanna University, and Salisbury University. NDM will have a couple of conference games before the calendar flips to a new year with road games at Rosemont and Valley Forge in early December.
 
Notre Dame will enjoy their home opener on January 3 when they host Penn College. Preseason #1 Penn State Harrisburg comes to Baltimore on January 13 as part of a three-game home stand with Penn State Brandywine and Wilson College to follow. NDM will close out their regular season with a home game on February 7 followed by a road game at Lancaster Bible on February 10.