Lacing up the sneakers; Roman Banks returns to the hardwood

Interim athletic director, Roman Banks, has a second job for those who forgot.
Behind the collective responsibility of the athletic department, he is also the head coach of the Southern University’s men’s basketball team. The team that went past conference by collecting the Southwestern Athletic Championship trophy and battled the number one school, Gonzaga two seasons ago.
With the athletic ban that was lifted in May, it means a difference future for the Jaguars which went into gear this past Saturday, October 3.
With the certification cleared, this means postseason play for the Jaguars and Banks can already sense the new energy placed in the locker-room.
“I see a new energy with this team in their individual workouts and in the weight room,” said Banks, “Probably because they feel like they have something to play for.”
Contention to move onto what was seen across the nation two seasons ago would be precise.
Southern could move onto that sort of play if they win the conference championship which escaped them last year slightly against Texas Southern 58-62.
Banks is currently ecstatic to be back on the court.
“People know when I’m in work mode and when I’m on the court and I’m grateful for that,” said Banks.
Banks is also glorified of the season that is ahead of Southern.
“I feel pretty good going into the new basketball season,” said Banks, “I guess the reason I feel pretty good and pretty energized about it is because we know we haven’t had a chance to go into preseason play for a couple of years.”
Three starters are to return at guard: senior, Christopher Hyder, and Adrian Rodgers and junior, Trelun Banks.
Banks took part in the Euro Goodwill Tour this past August in which it showcased him and other collegiate players to play 9 games in Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp and Amsterdam and right after the tour he went to sight-see around the romantic city of London.
Banks wants to play faster this season and increase the hussle.
Southern 18-17 overall and 13-5 SWAC returns to the forefront with sophomore forward, Jared Sam and redshirt sophomore guard, Chris Thomas and senior forward Thomas Pierre-Louis in which among the experienced, Southern has 10 newcomers ready to announce themselves on the court.
Southern kicks off the season in November against the University of Arkansas as they travel upward to Fayetteville, Arkansas to start the beginning of the tough non-conference schedule which extends to thirteen games before SWAC play.