Following a season that saw Winthrop make it to the Big South championship – one win from a NCAA Tournament appearance – coach Prosser discusses the coming season with The Johnsonian.
By Maurion Jamison
Staff Writer
Prosser’s up-tempo approach and steady leadership have reignited the Eagles’ winning tradition and built momentum heading into a new year.
Since returning to Winthrop University in 2021, head coach Mark Prosser has guided the Eagles back toward the top of the Big South Conference. His leadership has brought consistency, excitement, and a return to the fast-paced offensive identity that Winthrop basketball is known for.
In his first season back, Prosser led the Eagles to a 23-9 overall record and a 14-2 mark in conference play, capturing the Big South Division title. That same season, Winthrop finished undefeated at home, a rare achievement that helped reestablish the program’s home court advantage and competitive energy.
Since then, Prosser has recorded two 20-win seasons and built an overall home record of 47-10 through four years at the helm.
Under his direction, the Eagles have remained consistent contenders in the Big South, making it to the Big South championship last season and just coming up short.
“I still haven’t gotten through the entire film – like I can’t watch it,” Prosser said.
Despite the tough end to last season, Prosser said the “landscape of college basketball is everchanging,” so it’s always truly a new season and could be anyone’s year.
This season will be a big test though, as many players from previous seasons –like Kaden Talford and Ryan Jolly – will not be returning. Prosser sees this as a chance to shake things up a bit, though.
“Understanding there’s new roles and there’s a lot of opportunity that hasn’t maybe been available like it has been in years past. And you know, to see the current team and current individuals walk into those roles and take advantage of those opportunities has been a lot of fun,” Prosser said.
The team will have eight transfers and one freshmen joining, and Prosser says the six returning players have loved stepping up and representing Winthrop for the newcomers.
“They understand what the expectation is. They understand how we go about it. They understand what, you know, the sort of, and I think it maybe is a little bit overused, but like the culture of our program is, and how we compete,” Prosser said. “So they were able to translate that expectation, I think, in the day to day approach to our new kids, to the nine new student athletes that we have
Prosser’s offensive philosophy is to play fast paced, move the ball, and attack before the defense can set up. His teams are known for pushing the tempo in transition, finding open shooters, and creating high-percentage looks through teamwork.
“I think we play a fun brand of basketball because we play fast, we were sixth in the country in scoring and fourth in the country in pace. So, we play fast and it’s something I think is attractive in recruiting,” Prosser said.
The results have shown on the stat sheet, as Winthrop has consistently ranked among the top-scoring and most efficient offenses in the Big South under his leadership. Fans have also embraced the fast paced style, which brings excitement and energy back to the Winthrop Coliseum on game nights.
“We were downhill and we’re aggressive, we’re trying to touch the paint and play fast, and so, you know, it’ll be entertaining,” Prosser said.
As the 2025–2026 season approaches, Prosser and his staff are preparing a roster that blends experienced leaders with fresh talent from recruiting and the transfer portal. The goal remains the same, to compete for another Big South title and build a program that reflects Winthrop basketball’s history.
Winthrop plays the first game of the NCAA Division I basketball season against Queens University on Nov. 3 at 8 a.m. The game will be held at Rock Hill Sports and Events Center as a part of the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon.
