The annual Hoops and Howls event hits the hardwood this Thursday to give the fans a look at the brand new Men’s Basketball players.

While this is the first year the annual basketball banquet is called Hoops and Howls, that’s not the only thing that’s different about the men’s basketball team. 

This is also the first year for head coach Ryan Pannone and his 15 new players. Pannone said he is excited to see how excited the guys will compete.

“I’m excited to see the energy they’re going to bring in the arena, how unselfish they’re gonna be,” Pannone said. “I’m excited to see the fans. All I’ve heard about is how much support the students give us and I’m excited to see them in the seats.”

The team will be present at the event and play a scrimmage game, offering attendees a chance to see how the team has turned out with all of the offseason changes. 

Giveaway and autograph opportunities will be available as well, following a courtside dinner.

Pannone said they expect to sell out the event, but they need the fan and student support.

The coach said he will discuss what students can expect from his first Red Wolves team at Hoops and Howls.

“We’re still working on getting them to truly understand the way we play offensively and defensively,” Pannone said. “The physicality we want to play with and the random flow concepts, which require you to really have good spatial awareness and shared cognition as a team.”

Following the exit of previous coach Bryan Hodgson and five-star players last season, Pannone said he had to build a new conference championship-level team.

Pannone said his recruiting team had to do a good job of evaluating character and talent when building the team.

“A big part of it was putting together 15 new players with the transfer portal,” Pannone said. “You have to make quick decisions because if you don’t, you’re going to miss out on a player.”

For Arkansas State University students, Pannone said attending the Hoops and Howls event is a chance to come out and support the team.

“You get a chance to see these guys live for the first time, get a live look at them on the floor, in the game,” Pannone said. “And we need it. That’s a big part of why I took this job is the players and the players get the support from the students.”

Hoops and Howls takes place at 6 p.m. Thursday at the First National Bank Arena. Tickets are $100 for those over the age of 21. Tickets for attendees under 21 are $25.

Categories: News