Eastern Insider

New EMU men's basketball head coach Billy Donlon speaks with Greg Steiner in a wide-ranging preview interview covering his transition to Ypsilanti, his program-building philosophy, roster evaluation, and the upcoming schedule. Donlon emphasizes toughness, selflessness, and love of the game as program pillars, highlights several players showing early promise, and sets a goal of selling out the George Gervin GameAbove Center for the first time in men's basketball.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Greg Steiner sits down with head coach Chris Creighton to recap Eastern Michigan's road win at previously undefeated UMass and look ahead to the MAC game at Akron. Creighton praised the team's resolve on a lengthy opening drive, highlighted the secondary — specifically Caleb Dobbins — and expressed genuine respect for Akron's coaching staff and third-string quarterback. The through-line of the conversation is Creighton's insistence on a one-game-at-a-time mindset as the Eagles try to go 3-0 in MAC play.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coach Chris Creighton joins Greg Steiner to break down a workmanlike win over Lindenwood — highlighting defensive efficiency, offensive rhythm, and a career day from Benson Prosper — before turning attention to an undefeated UMass team that EMU will face on the road. Creighton praises UMass's quarterback and their turnover margin while emphasizing ball awareness as the key to winning the takeaway battle.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eastern Michigan heads to Wisconsin looking to build on a hard-fought game at Michigan State. After a mistake-filled first quarter, the Eagles settled in, ran the football well, protected Noah Kim better, and played strong defense before halftime. MSU’s second-half rushing attack limited EMU’s opportunities, but Coach Chris Creighton sees progress. Kim’s touchdown in his return to MSU added an emotional moment, and now the Eagles face another challenge at Camp Randall against a Wisconsin team led by a powerful running game and dual-threat quarterback.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eastern Michigan head coach Chris Creighton reflected on the Eagles’ physical loss to San Jose State, pointing to offensive inconsistency, missed opportunities and penalties as key factors in the defeat. Despite strong defensive stretches and improvement on special teams, Eastern Michigan struggled to sustain drives and convert third downs, while San Jose State capitalized on mistakes late in the game. Creighton praised running back Amareon Blue for his vision, explosiveness and 50-yard touchdown run, and said the Eagles feel well prepared after playing two games before most teams opened their seasons. Eastern Michigan now turns its attention to Michigan State in East Lansing, with Creighton emphasizing confidence, composure and the team’s competitive identity as the Eagles prepare for another major test.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eastern Michigan head coach Chris Creighton told Greg Steiner his team enters Saturday’s 2026 season opener in a strong position after 21 preseason practices, with the Eagles benefiting from a full week to focus on Sacramento State before classes begin. Creighton said opening the season at home with a MAC game, along with welcoming more than 1,600 freshmen, makes Saturday a special opportunity at the Factory. He also reflected on former Northern Illinois coach Joe Novak, a mentor during Eastern Michigan’s rebuilding process, as the Eagles prepare for a season defined by toughness, togetherness and determination.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week’s Eastern Insider Podcast captures a defining spring moment for Eastern Michigan athletics, blending the celebration of the 10th annual Ypsis with strong performances across baseball, lacrosse, football, golf, and tennis, while also looking ahead to postseason opportunities. Greg Steiner and Elena Davis highlight the energy surrounding student-athlete achievement and competitive momentum, then shift focus to rowing with junior Abby Lauth, who discusses the program’s growth, the excitement of racing at home for the Ford Lake Cup, and the culture driving EMU’s rise. The episode also carries a reflective tone as the academic year nears its close, while a major tease in segment two points to changes ahead, making this an episode centered on achievement, transition, and what comes next.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Spring momentum carried Eastern Michigan through a packed week, where events like the athletics garage sale and national day celebrations added to a schedule filled with tennis, lacrosse, baseball, and football storylines. The episode centered on transition and leadership, as Samantha Borgert reflected on helping build the lacrosse program from its start while growing into a campus leader, and defensive tackles coach Zac Sias outlined a disciplined, relationship-first approach shaping a new defensive identity. Across every segment, the focus stayed on people, from seniors preparing for final moments at home to coaches building culture through daily habits, capturing a program moving forward with purpose on and off the field.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Brendan Kelly opens his presidency at Eastern Michigan with a clear focus on students, energy, and connection, stressing that "if we don't get that right, then we might as well throw our hands up and walk off the field." Drawing on his own experience as a two-time EMU alum, he emphasizes closing gaps in the student experience, building pride, and moving quickly with "the best idea in the room." He challenges outdated traditions, calling for simpler systems and a campus "completely obsessed" with student success, while also addressing the need to grow fan and community energy. Kelly sees the hiring of men's basketball coach Billy Donlon as a reflection of that vision, praising his "standard of excellence" and grit, and signaling a broader push to raise expectations across the university.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The episode centers on alignment, as Billy Donlon and Scott Wetherbee lay out a clear path for Eastern Michigan men’s basketball grounded in belief and accountability. Donlon pointed to the hiring process as a turning point, saying, “What really got my juices really flowing was the Zoom interview… you could feel their passion, their purpose,” while emphasizing a program built on toughness and unity where players “play for Eastern Michigan on the front of the jersey.” Wetherbee reinforced that direction, describing a deliberate search that narrowed from “25, 30 people” to one clear choice driven by “energy” and a proven track record, adding, “We all looked at each other and like, that’s our guy.” Together, their message focused on consistency, development, and community investment, with Wetherbee urging support beyond the hire, saying, “If you care about Eastern Michigan… come give us a try,” as both leaders signal a program ready to move forward with shared purpose.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.