Moving Forward: Men and Women’s Basketball

With both teams coming off of successful seasons, the Southern University men’s and women’s basketball teams held their team previews on October 27, 2018, in the F. G. Clark Activity Center, where fans could come out and meet this year’s teams.
The event was sponsored by the Jaguar Geaux Team. When talking to Blake M. Reddick, a member of the Geaux Team, he spoke on exactly what he was looking forward to most this season.
“Conference play. Getting the crowd pumped and [creating] some intensity. Where I’m from, the best thing you had were district games. That environment makes the players want to play hard.” said Reddick.
The afternoon kicked off with a multi-song set by the Human Jukebox marching band, which served to energize the crowd. Following some interactive crowd games, the two basketball teams took the floor. Each player was announced coming out of the tunnel in true pregame fashion. As they were introduced, each player threw prizes into the stands.
The men’s team finished the event with a high energy scrimmage that included an offense that served to get the crowd out of their seats and electrified. Afterwards, players were available for autograph and picture sessions.
Speaking to the Lady Jags head coach, Carlos Funchess, he was able to give insight on his expectations for his girls this season with less than a week before tipoff: “We want to execute, play with effort, and play as a team. That’s what we’re going to have to do to be successful and win a championship this year.”
With the addition of head coach, Sean Woods, expectations have also mounted for the men’s team to start the season. Speaking to Mubashar Ali, a sophomore forward on the team, he had this to say in regards to his excitement level for the season, as well as having a coach such as Sean Woods leading the team now.
“I’m very excited. Coach Woods is coming in expecting greatness of the bat. His track record speaks for himself, and he has a better chance at taking us to where we want to go as a team.” said Ali.
The Lady Jags’ schedule kicks off versus Milsaps on November 6th. The men’s basketball season kicks off on November 6th at Alabama, with their first home game being against George Mason on November 17.