Knights Men’s Basketball Opens 2025-26 Season in Homecoming Matchup against Texas A&M – San Antonio

Saturday, October 25 • 3:00 p.m. • Homecoming – Southern University at New Orleans Knights vs. Texas A&M University–San Antonio Roadrunners

NEW ORLEANS [October 20, 2025] – The Knights of Southern University at New Orleans return to the hardwood this Saturday for an exciting Homecoming showdown, as SUNO hosts Texas A&M–San Antonio at 3:00 p.m. inside The Castle. The occasion is two-fold: the start of the 2025-26 campaign and the celebration of what SUNO Athletics has, and continues, to accomplish.

Last Time Out

The Knights and Roadrunners last met on October 28, 2024, in San Antonio, where SUNO earned a decisive 86–75 victory in their first-ever matchup. SUNO shot an even 50 percent from the field, dominating the paint and outrebounding TAMUSA 47–42 to take control on both ends of the floor.

Forward Jamal Gibson led the way with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists, posting yet another double-double while setting the tone defensively with his physical interior presence. Devin Daniels contributed 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists, showing leadership and poise in the frontcourt.

The win marked a statement moment early in the 2024–25 season—showing the Knights' toughness, balance, and ability to close games against quality opponents. It's a performance they'll look to replicate when the Roadrunners visit New Orleans for SUNO's 2025 Homecoming showdown.

Jamal Gibson: The Face of SUNO and Small-College Dominance

Junior forward Jamal Gibson (6-foot-8) returns after one of the most remarkable seasons in SUNO history. In the 2024-25 campaign he averaged a conference-best 23.2 points, nation-leading 16.4 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game and set program records for total points (674), rebounds (477) and consecutive double-doubles (58). Gibson's two-way excellence earned him the HBCU Makeda Excellence Award for a second straight year, along with a combined total of 14 Offensive Player of the Week and 15 Defensive Player of the Week honors — and increased his place in SUNO lore by becoming the first Knight to be named NAIA Defensive Player of the Week twice. On January 6, 2025, he became the fastest player in program history to reach 1,000 career points (in just 47 games). A two-time NAIA All-American, Gibson now holds SUNO's all-time records for rebounds, consecutive double-doubles and single-season points while setting a new benchmark for excellence within the HBCUAC. He is now just 49 rebounds away from notching 1,000.

This season, he has been named the 2025 HBCUAC Men's Basketball Preseason Player of the Year — a recognition of both his past dominance and anticipated leadership moving forward.

With Gibson anchoring both ends of the floor, the Knights are built around aproven difference-maker who can set the tone every night.

Key Returners & Momentum

The Knights don't just rely on Gibson. The core includes:

• Donte Briggs, last season's 2025 Freshman of the Year, returns looking to take the next step in his development.
• Isaiah Lewis, a forward whose continued maturation adds depth and physicality inside.
• Devin Daniels, a forward who was part of the program when SUNO brought athletics back in 2022; his experience and perspective help solidify the unit.
• Caleb Williams, a guard who was also part of the program when SUNO brought athletics back; he returns for his senior campaign eager to finish his college career on a high note.

With these returners plus Gibson, SUNO has a strong foundational group ready to lead the way.

Newcomers With Impact Potential

The Knights have also bolstered their roster with newcomers who could make an immediate difference:

• Dorian Booker
• Jakobe Dykes
• Jaylon Hicks
• Jermaine Lawrence

"It was critical for us to sign key players that can have a major impact on the game and how we play," says Head Coach and Director of Athletics James A. Matthews III. "We needed to add more toughness, IQ, and frankly more talent to our program.  I believe that we have done that with this group.  And if you see us arguing a little in practice? That's fine — this group has developed aculture of holding each other accountable that will allow us to strive seamlessly towards our shared goal."

Academics & Culture Matter

SUNO men's basketball was also named a 2024-25 NAIA Scholar Team, posting a team GPA of 3.46 for the academic year. "Our guys understand that excellence in the classroom is just as important as excellence on the court," Matthewsadds. "We take pride in being student-athletes in the fullest sense — competing, learning, giving back. That foundation of culture and community is what separates us."

Game Day Vibes: Homecoming Elevated

With Homecoming in full swing, expect a lively atmosphere: alumni back in the stands, energetic student-sections and the full support of the SUNO community. It's the perfect backdrop for a season opener that carries more weight than just a first game.

What to Watch against TAMUSA

• Can the Knights control the glass and let Gibson set the tone early?
• Will the newcomers make an immediate splash and help expand the team's depth?
• How will SUNO's experience and culture compare against a TAMUSAsquad likely eager to build its own momentum?
• Home court, Homecoming, and an eager crowd — can the Knights feed off that energy to start strong?

Tickets & Media

Season tickets will be available through SUNO Athletics at the Emmett Bashful Administration Building cashier's office. Fans can make their purchase in person or by calling (504) 286-5321 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Media inquiries, interview requests, and credential applications should be directed to athletics@suno.edu.

About SUNO Athletics

The Southern University at New Orleans Knights Department of Athletics emphasizes competitive excellence, academic achievement, and community engagement. For the full 2025-26 schedule, rosters, and ticket information, visit sunoathletics.com and follow @sunoathletics on social media.