SUNO Men’s Basketball Opens Season Thursday at Loyola
New Orleans, LA [October 24, 2024] —The Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) Knights are ready to kick off their 2024-25 season with a highly anticipated matchup against the Loyola Wolfpack on Thursday, October 24. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT inside The Den on Loyola's campus. Fans unable to attend can stream the game and follow live stats online. General admission tickets are priced at $10 and are available online or at the door.
The Wolfpack, selected to finish third in the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC), concluded last season with a 14-18 overall record and a 9-11 mark in league play.
At the helm of the SUNO Knights is Head Coach James A. Matthews, III, entering his third season. Alongside Matthews are Associate Head Coach Kevin "Squirt" Dorsey and Assistant Coach Will Green, both also in their third year with the program. Together, they have built a culture focused on teamwork, preparation, and a winning mentality.
The Knights are coming off an 8-22 season, including a 7-10 record in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC). SUNO has been picked to finish sixth in conference play this year. Despite their overall record last season, the Knights are optimistic about their chances, returning 90 percent of their offensive production. Last season, they led the conference in assists per game (14.3) and rebounds per game, out-rebounding opponents by an average of 1.8 per contest. SUNO also topped the league in blocks, averaging 4.7 per game over 30 contests.
Leading the charge for the Knights is standout forward Jamal "Tall" Gibson, who enters the season as the Preseason All-HBCUAC Player of the Year. Gibson, who dominated as a freshman, averaged 21.0 points, 15.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, setting new SUNO records for total points (630), rebounds (474), and double-doubles (29). His accolades include being named the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year, earning a spot on the NAIA All-American Third Team, and receiving several prestigious honors from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association and the RICE FAME Group.
Reflecting on the upcoming season, Gibson said, "As long as we stick together, work hard to better the program, have the dedication and great mindset, and we all stay on the same page, everyone we play is in trouble." His determination is echoed by the rest of the team, which has shown resilience and growth, particularly in the latter half of last season.
"Last season proved we have what it takes to compete and make a run for the conference title," said Coach Matthews. "We've added key players that I felt were missing last year, and we are committed to preparing in practice for what we want to achieve in the game – and that's to win."
The Knights' roster is packed with talent and local pride, with 41 percent of the team hailing from New Orleans. Newcomers like Tyon Thompson and Tony White, combined with returning players Devin Daniels, Isaiah Lewis, and Chaun Moore, are poised to create a formidable lineup this season. Daniels, who was sidelined for most of last season due to injury, is set to make a big impact upon his return.
Matthews has instilled a mantra of preparation and work ethic in his team. "I tell my team that how they do one thing is how they do everything. The way we prepare will be the way we play, so it's my job to make sure my guys are ready to play at their peak level every game," Matthews said.
The Knights recently hosted their annual MidKnight Madness event, energizing fans and signaling that excitement for this season has been building for some time. Despite the challenges of last year, the team is motivated by their potential and ready to take on a new season with confidence.
"A few things impacted our record last year, including Devin Daniels being sidelined with an injury," Matthews explained. "Our record was in no way indicative of our talent and the work we put in. The past is a point of reference, not a dwelling place, so we are focused on what lies ahead for us."
As the Knights prepare to face Loyola, they aim to build on the foundation they've laid and make a significant impact in the HBCUAC. With a strong sense of chemistry and a commitment to hard work, the Knights are ready for a season filled with promise and the pursuit of excellence.
Fans can support SUNO Men's Basketball and watch their journey unfold starting Thursday at 7 p.m. CT. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
For more information about SUNO Knights Men's Basketball visit sunoathletics.com.
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