Furman men's tennis welcomes two new players, Bardo Bucknell from Texas and Graham Powers from North Carolina, for the 2026-27 season. Head coach J.J. Whitlinger emphasizes their potential contributions and excitement for the upcoming competition. Bucknell brings a strong background in doubles and singles, while Powers has extensive leadership experience as a team captain and accolades from high school tournaments. Both newcomers are expected to embody the team's values of hunger and eagerness to succeed. The Paladins aim to enhance their previous season’s performance with these fresh talents.

By the Numbers
  • Bardo Bucknell was a J60 doubles champion and singles finalist, with wins against top 50 and top 100 players nationally.
  • Graham Powers won back-to-back state doubles championships and was named WFAC Player of the Year three times.
State of Play
  • The Paladins had an 8-15 overall record last season with a 4-3 Southern Conference record.
  • Furman returns ten letterwinners and produced four All-SoCon selections in the 2025-26 season.
What's Next

As the fall semester approaches, the team anticipates integrating Bucknell and Powers into training and competition, aiming to improve their standings in the conference. The coaching staff looks forward to their contributions during the upcoming season.

Bottom Line

The addition of Bucknell and Powers signals a strategic move for Furman men's tennis to build a stronger team and enhance their competitive edge moving forward. Their proven skills and leadership could shape the Paladins’ path in the Southern Conference.