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NEW ORLEANS – The Coach P era unofficially begins in New Orleans on Saturday afternoon at Lakefront Arena, as the 2025–26 Privateers take on the Sacramento State Hornets in the Southwest Shootout. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m., and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.
The game was organized by Master P, who was introduced in February as president of basketball operations, and Dr. Shaquille O'Neal, who is entering his first season as general manager of the Hornets.
ABOUT THE PRIVATEERS
UNO is in its second season under head coach
Stacy Hollowell and will feature a nearly brand-new roster in 2025–26, with only two returning players from the 2024–25 season.
One of those returners is
MJ Thomas, who started 27 games in his freshman season with the Privateers. He averaged 11.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game last season. His rebounding average led the Southland Conference, ranked 76th nationally, and was the highest by a Privateer since Hector Romero during the 2002–03 season.
Coach Hollowell has brought in many new faces, including one very familiar to UNO fans —
Jakevion Buckley. Buckley starred at this level with Southeastern last season, earning First Team All-Southland honors and a spot on the Southland All-Defensive Team. The Shelbyville, Texas, native averaged 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game for the Lions in 2024–25.
Another key newcomer is
Coleton Benson, who spent the past two seasons at Texas State. He averaged 9.1 points per game, shot 39 percent from three-point range and converted 92 percent of his free throws during his time in San Marcos. As a freshman, Benson was a two-time Patriot League Player of the Week while playing for Army three seasons ago.
ABOUT THE HORNETS
While the Privateers return a pair of familiar faces, the Hornets will feature a completely new roster in 2025–26, with no returning players from the 2024–25 squad.
Mike Bibby, who played 14 seasons in the NBA — most notably with the Sacramento Kings — takes the helm of the Hornets after being introduced as the 17th head coach in program history in March 2025.
One of the Hornets' key transfers is Mikey Williams, who comes in from UCF. Williams was ranked No. 19 overall in the 2023 recruiting class by 247Sports. He appeared in 18 games for the Knights and scored a season-high 14 points twice — against Iowa State and Oklahoma State.
Prophet Johnson also joins the Hornets, transferring from Fairfield, where he led the Stags in scoring, rebounding and steals last season. He was named to the All-MAAC Third Team after averaging 13.3 points and 7.7 rebounds in 2024–25.
BRAND NEW FAN EXPERIENCE
This season, Privateer fans can look forward to a fresh and exciting experience at Lakefront Arena. A brand-new, center-hung scoreboard now hangs above midcourt and will be featured prominently during in-game promotions. Lakefront Arena has also added four LED columns equipped with lighting and fog effects for the team's entrance.
In addition, the Privateers are bringing in a variety of DJs and bands to entertain fans throughout the season. Tomorrow's contest will feature the St. Augustine Marching 100, as well as halftime performances by local hip-hop artists T99ZY and Mr. Trip Out. Local celebrities, including those with ties to the NBA and NFL are also expected to be in attendance.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets can be purchased tomorrow afternoon at the Lakefront Arena Box Office, or by visiting
UNOPrivateers.com/Tickets or
TicketMaster.com.
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SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow
@UNOPrivateers on Twitter,
@PrivateersMBB on Instagram, like
/PrivateersMBB on Facebook and subscribe to the
PrivateerAthletics YouTube channel.
