Fear of God Athletics Season Preview

Fear of God Athletics

📍 Key Returners: Cayden Daughtry, KJ Francis, Sam Hallas, Collin Paul*

📍 Key Additions: Jacob Zhu, Aiden Bolden, K’Nard Callender, Jadus Sorhaindo

📍 Key Departures: Shon Abaev, Ashley Sims II, Kason Westphal

📍 Head Coach: Cilk McSweeney

📍 2025 Regular Season Record: 8-12

📍 2025 Playoff Finish: L, 58-98 vs. City Reapers (Semi-Finals, Game 3)

📍 Top Storyline: How will FOGA handle the loss of OTE superstar Shon Abaev?

Fear of God Athletics had an immensely successful first year at OTE, advancing to the semi-finals on the back of superstar Shon Abaev. However, with Abaev gone off to the college ranks (he will play with the Cincinnati Bearcats this year), the question of how the team will fare in his absence is staring FOGA dead in the face. One thing working in FOGA’s favor is the return of budding superstar Cayden Daughtry, who, if the early indications are true, will quickly work his way into MVP conversations this season 🏅

Abaev is a major loss for FOGA, however, Daughtry is well positioned to fill the gaping hole Abaev left in his wake. Daughtry was Abaev’s counterpart last season, finishing second on the team and sixth in the league in scoring with 20.5 PPG. With the bulk of the scoring responsibilities falling on his shoulders this year, expect Daughtry to easily finish top five in the league in scoring this year. Additionally, a massive summer on the Nike EYBL circuit with the Florida Rebels saw him shoot up the player rankings, landing as the 15th highest rated prospect in the class of 2027, according to 247Sports Composite Rankings 📈

Daughtry isn’t alone either, with a few other friends from last year’s squad set to return for this season. The third member of FOGA’s feared trio from last year, Collin Paul, was slated to return this season, however, he is now expected to miss the entirety of the season with an injury. While Paul may not be back this year, the return of super role players KJ Francis and Sam Hallas should help alleviate the loss. Francis was one of the team’s top defenders last year while Hallas played a role as a versatile jack-of-all-trades forward off the bench 💪

The most exciting part of FOGA’s roster might be the new faces they brought in, specifically two new talents who are set to be fixtures in the squad’s starting lineup. Jacob Zhu is a 6-0, point guard in the class of 2026 from China who is known for his elite ball-handling skills and ability to whip the ball around the court. Zhu spent the summer playing for the U19 China National team at the U19 FIBA Basketball World Cup where he averaged 11.2 PPG and 4.2 APG. FOGA also welcomes Aiden Bolden who is a three-star forward and a walking highlight machine who will be a massive pickup for the squad 🇨🇳

Fear of God Athletics will be led by Head Coach Cilk McSweeney who returns for his second year at the helm of this up and coming team from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. FOGA’s schedule was released last week and you can purchase tickets for their games HERE 🎟️

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