Morrow, GA — Every fire requires three elements: heat, fuel, and oxygen. This combination is known as the Fire Triangle — the core chemistry behind every blazing flame. Remove one piece and the fire dies. But when all three are working together in balance? You get an unstoppable, scorching force that consumes everything in its path.

And that's exactly what's happening in Columbia, South Carolina.

At SIAC Media Day, the Allen University Men's Basketball team — now led by newly appointed Head Coach Douglas Whittler — was picked to finish last in the Eastern Division. A preseason slight? Maybe. But for this group, it was the perfect ignition.

Coach Whittler, along with 7'1 transfer Jacquez Shuler and returning senior guard BJ Francis, represented Allen University with poise and confidence — even as they were picked to finish last in the SIAC East. The reaction? A head shake. A smirk. A light chuckle.

"Huh?" Shuler muttered under his breath. It was a disbelief rooted not in arrogance — but in standards. The kind of standards shared by men who've competed for national titles. The kind of standards set by a coach who built his resume at Morehouse College by winning SIAC East crowns and being one of the most respected coaches in not only the SIAC but the country, all while developing both players and people.

HEAT — The Spark of Leadership

Every fire starts with a spark. For Allen University, that spark is Coach Douglas Whittler — a respected SIAC veteran who spent 20+ years at Morehouse College as a player, assistant, and eventually head coach. During his four years as head coach, Whittler led Morehouse to a 76-40 overall record and an elite 59-21 conference record, claiming three SIAC East titles and mentoring countless All-SIAC standouts.

Now in Columbia, he's not just bringing a winning pedigree — he's bringing a mentality shift.

"I thought media day was big for the conference," said Whittler. "It's been a few years since we've had one for basketball in the SIAC and it was great to see the excitement and sense of pride from all the student-athletes. I'm simply excited to bring the city of Columbia (SC) as well as the Yellow Jackets community a new brand of basketball that they can be proud of."

Whittler wasted no time making a statement, signing 7'2 local standout Jacquez Shuler, a dominant force returning home after a strong stint at JUCO powerhouse Northwest Florida State College (29-6 record). Shuler brings length, experience, and versatility — and he's not one to shy away from the spotlight.

"I'm incredibly excited, honored, and blessed to have had the opportunity to represent Allen University at SIAC Media Day," said Shuler. "From connecting with other student-athletes to our community service event walking kids into school — this whole experience reminded me of why we play, and how powerful our platform is.

FUEL — The Players' Relentless Work Ethic

No fire sustains without fuel — and for this team, fuel comes from their grind.

This isn't the same Yellow Jackets team from last year's 6-21 campaign. That team is gone. These players, under Whittler's guidance, are pushing themselves harder, training smarter, and locking into the details that build winners — from defensive rotations to extra film sessions.

"Attending SIAC Media Day for the first time was an incredible experience," said BJ Francis, returning guard for the Yellow Jackets. "I truly enjoyed the atmosphere and the valuable connections I made. But now it's time to get to work. The fire's lit."



OXYGEN — Culture, Brotherhood, and Belief

A fire can't burn without oxygen — and the energy inside the locker room is what keeps this fire breathing.

Coach Whittler has emphasized culture, discipline, and togetherness since day one. The bond forming between transfers, returners, and freshmen is starting to look like something deeper than a team — it's beginning to resemble a brotherhood.

From community service at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, where players greeted students with music and encouragement, to team meetings focused on accountability and self-respect, this squad is aligning on something bigger than basketball.

From Preseason Doubt to Championship Fire

What started as an insult — being picked last — has transformed into fuel for one of the most motivated programs in the SIAC. They're no longer concerned about rankings or predictions. They're building brick by brick. Play by play.

"We're not waiting for respect — we're earning it," Whittler emphasized.

From Heat (leadership) to Fuel (work ethic) to Oxygen (culture), Allen University Men's Basketball is now operating on The Fire Triangle — a formula that not only sparks momentum, but sustains greatness.

So to the rest of the conference: the Yellow Jackets might have been overlooked, but now?

They're burning bright — and Columbia is heating up.

Get Ready for the Flame Show

As the 2025–26 season approaches, the buzz around Allen University isn't just noise — it's heat rising. A team led by purpose, built on respect, and ignited by culture is about to storm into SIAC play.

This year, Allen Basketball is catching fire — and the rest of the league better feel the heat.