RICHMOND, Va. – Gardner-Webb will begin its 2018-2019 men's basketball season on a long road swing, beginning Tuesday night (Nov. 6) at VCU.

The Runnin' Bulldogs haven't visited the Rams since December 18, 2001, when VCU held off Gardner-Webb for a 75-68 win. That GWU team was in its final year of transition to full NCAA Division I status and finished with a 23-9 overall record.

This edition of head coach Tim Craft's team features three seniors in David Efianayi, DJ Laster and Brandon Miller along with three juniors in Eric Jamison, Jr., Justin Jenkins and Christian Turner.

Five men on the current roster have earned starting nods during their career in Boiling Springs, including the explosive Efianayi (17.5 pig) – who has netted 1,109 career points in three seasons.

Laster (13.8 ppg) enjoyed a breakthrough junior season and provides Gardner-Webb with an inside-outside presence at 6-foot-6, 230 pounds. Miller was limited last season due to injuries, but is back at full strength in the post and, at 6-foot-6, 250 pounds, is a seasoned rebounder and defender.

Jamison and Jenkins each saw an uptick in minutes last season over the final 10 games and provide excellent experience on the wing. Jamison's length at 6-foot-6 allows him to see action in the post when needed.

Turner started at point guard for much of last season until a late season injury and has enjoyed a strong preseason. The 5-foot-10 junior is one of the team's top defenders on the perimeter.

The sophomore backcourt duo of Jaheam Cornwall and Nate Johnson also return, with Cornwall earning valuable starting experience last season and showing a penchant for making big shots and scoring in bunches against Big South foes. Johnson also has great scoring potential.

The freshman class of Jaylen Alston (6-4, 190, G/F), Gabe Bryant (6-9, 250, F), Ludovic Dufeal (6-8, 185, F), Jose Perez (6-5, 195, G/F) and Erick Valdez (6-7, 210, F) has shown great promise during the preseason and appears very worthy of high praise.

Tuesday's game is set to tip at 7:00 pm and will be streamed live on ESPN+ and televised live on MASN.