The Miami (OH) RedHawks enter the 2025–26 season with a renewed sense of purpose, a talented core of leaders, and an evolving culture that aims to push the program back into contention within the highly competitive Mid-American Conference (MAC). With Evan Ipsaro, Eian Elmer, and Peter Suder officially named team captains, the RedHawks are putting accountability and balance at the forefront of their identity.
The MAC is shaping up to be one of the most competitive mid-major conferences in the nation, but Miami believes it has the pieces to take a significant step forward this season.
Leadership Core: Captains Who Set the Standard
Miami’s offseason workouts and preseason camps revealed a team ready to embrace higher expectations — and that starts with its captains.
- Evan Ipsaro (G)
Ipsaro has proven himself to be one of the most dynamic playmakers in the MAC. With a high basketball IQ and elite court vision, he thrives at initiating offense and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. Expect him to lead the RedHawks’ transition attack, keeping defenses on their heels. - Eian Elmer (F)
The versatile forward brings athleticism, defensive range, and inside-out scoring ability. Elmer’s length and mobility make him a nightmare matchup, capable of switching defensively across multiple positions while also stretching the floor offensively. - Peter Suder (G)
Suder is the ultimate two-way weapon. His ability to knock down perimeter shots while locking up opposing guards on defense gives Miami flexibility on both ends of the floor. Off the court, he’s embraced a leadership role — mentoring younger players and instilling a “no shortcuts” mentality.
Together, this trio embodies Miami’s vision: discipline, energy, and versatility.
Offensive Game Plan: Pace, Spacing, and Shot Creation
The RedHawks are expected to lean into a high-paced, perimeter-oriented attack this season. Head Coach Travis Steele’s system thrives on ball movement and spacing, and the roster is now built to maximize those principles.
- Tempo-Driven Offense – Ipsaro will push the pace, looking to create transition opportunities before defenses can set up.
- Perimeter Threats – With Suder’s shooting, Elmer’s inside-out versatility, and emerging bench shooters, Miami will force opponents to defend the entire floor.
- Balanced Scoring – Miami struggled last season when opposing defenses keyed on one or two players. This year’s roster is deeper, giving the RedHawks multiple go-to options in late-game situations.
The success of this offensive identity will hinge on efficiency. Miami must improve its shooting percentages and capitalize on open looks to compete with the MAC’s top-tier offenses.
Defensive Mentality: Pressure and Positionless Matchups
Coach Steele has made it clear: the RedHawks’ defensive identity will define their season.
- Switchable Schemes – With Elmer anchoring the frontcourt, Miami has the personnel to switch effectively on ball screens and guard multiple positions without sacrificing matchups.
- Perimeter Pressure – Ipsaro and Suder give Miami one of the most aggressive on-ball defensive backcourts in the conference. Their ability to force turnovers could create momentum-shifting runs in tight games.
- Collective Rebounding – While Miami lacks a traditional dominant big, they’ll compensate through gang rebounding — requiring all five players to commit on the glass.
If the RedHawks can consistently generate stops and convert turnovers into transition points, they could become one of the MAC’s most disruptive defenses.
Culture Reset: Building the Foundation for Sustained Success
This offseason wasn’t just about player development; it was about redefining Miami basketball’s culture.
The captains have set a precedent through extra film study, late-night shooting sessions, and holding teammates accountable in practice. The message is clear:
“This isn’t just about competing. It’s about raising the standard of Miami basketball.”
Coach Steele has embraced a grit-driven identity — demanding effort on every possession and fostering a competitive environment where roles are earned, not given. That cultural shift could be the RedHawks’ biggest weapon heading into 2025–26.
Season Outlook: Can Miami Break Through in the MAC?
The MAC will again feature powerhouses like Toledo, Akron, and Kent State, but Miami believes it’s ready to climb the standings.
Keys to Success
- Health and Depth – The RedHawks’ roster is deeper than previous seasons, but injuries could test that depth early.
- Late-Game Execution – Closing out tight games has been a weakness; experienced captains should change that narrative.
- Consistency Beyond the Arc – Miami’s offense relies heavily on spacing and shot creation. Sustaining high shooting percentages is critical.
If they execute, the RedHawks have the potential to finish in the upper half of the MAC and make a push toward postseason contention.
Final Take
The 2025–26 Miami RedHawks men’s basketball team has a new identity, anchored by leadership, balance, and belief. With Ipsaro, Elmer, and Suder guiding the way, Miami is no longer in a rebuild — they’re ready to compete, disrupt, and rise.
This is a team built to surprise, and the MAC should take notice.
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