CHARLOTTE - Under the leadership of Stephen Joyner, Sr. in his 34^th season, the Johnson C. Smith University men's basketball program will begin its 2022-23 season this weekend with a pair of games in the Conference Challenge hosted by UNC Pembrook on Saturday, Nov. 12 and Sunday, Nov. 13.

The Golden Bulls will face Catawba College on Saturday at 1 p.m.; following a contest with Newberry on Saturday at 5 p.m.

JCSU comes off a 5-20 campaign with a 2-14 record in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). Joyner has compiled a 577-393 career record.

JCSU will take the floor for the first time against Catawba with nine newcomers and seven returners as the Golden Bulls look to piece it together. Augustine Ominu was selected as the lone returner to the Preseason All CIAA Team.

After the Challenge, the Golden Bulls will participate in the Chris Paul HBCU Tipoff Classic in Uncasville, Conn, inside the Mohegan Sun Arena.