Hampton Men’s Basketball Gear Up for First Round Matchup in Paradise Jam

HAMPTON, Va. (Nov. 15, 2023) … Hampton men's basketball is gearing up for the first game in the Paradise Jam. The Pirates on Friday at 5:45 PM will face the Golden Flashes of Kent State. Last season, Kent State made the NCAA tournament and are favorites to make the dance once more. The Golden Flashes will be the second projected tournament team that HU will face.

A Look at Your Pirates

Hampton is coming off a close loss to Norfolk State. While the Pirates would trail by as many as 15 points, HU fought back to make it a three-point game. However, a couple of late turnovers helped the Spartans prevail. Kyrese Mullen had another solid performance scoring a team-high 17 points and grabbing ten rebounds. Copper Ford, Tedrick Wilcox Jr., and Dan Banister Jr. all finished the contest with double-digit scoring production.

Through three games, the Pirates play with the tenth-quickest tempo in the country. This has led Hampton to score 20.6 fastbreak points per game. HU has been able to get out in transition due to forcing 16 turnovers per contest. While the Pirates force the second most turnovers in the Coastal Athletic Association, they commit the most turnovers in the conference.

Hampton by the Numbers

45: Hampton's starting five scored 66% of the team's total points in their last time out
16: Ford Cooper would have a career-high in points against Norfolk State
57: Hampton opponents are averaging 19 points per game from turnovers
2: Kyrese Mullen is the only player in the CAA to have two double-doubles this season
10: In just 84 minutes of action, Ford Copper has produced the fourth most assist in the conference

A Look at the Golden Flashes

Kent State enters Friday afternoon's contest with a (2-1) overall record. Golden Flahses opened up the season with a 21-point win over Malone University. KSU's only loss of the season came against 24th-ranked James Madison. After JMU defeated Michigan State who ranked fourth, Kent State challenged the Dukes forcing two overtimes. James Madison would not start to create separation until the final two minutes.

The Golden Flashes are coached by Rob Senderoff who enters his 13th season with the program. Coach Senderoff ranks as the program's all-time winningest coach with 247 wins. During his time at Kent State, he has had eight 20+ win seasons and the second longest home game winning streak in the MAC.

KSU is led by junior guard Jalen Sullinger. Sullinger is playing nearly 40 minutes a night while averaging 23.5 points per game. The Columbus, Ohio native, has already had a 30-point performance this season. Against James Madison Sullinger made seven threes while going 7-12 from beyond the arc.

Kent State by the Numbers

115: The Golden Flashes are the highest-ranked team that HU has faced this season
12: Jared Sulinger has hit the second most threes in the MAC
30: Chris Payton Jr. has grabbed the 14th most rebounds in the nation
1.51: According to kenpom.com Kent State jas played the 165th toughest schedule this season
29.3: Kent State are averaging leading the MAC in free throw attempts

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Players Mentioned

#0 Tedrick Wilcox Jr.: G; 6' 6"; Graduate Student

#3 Kyrese Mullen: F; 6' 7"; Sophomore

#23 Dan Banister Jr.: G; 6' 6"; Senior

#24 Ford Cooper: G; 6' 3"; Graduate Student

Players Mentioned

#0 Tedrick Wilcox Jr.
: 6' 6"; Graduate Student
: G

#3 Kyrese Mullen
: 6' 7"; Sophomore
: F

#23 Dan Banister Jr.
: 6' 6"; Senior
: G

#24 Ford Cooper
: 6' 3"; Graduate Student
: G

Hampton University Athletics

Schedule

Scoreboard

Hampton Men’s Basketball Gear Up for First Round Matchup in Paradise Jam

Players Mentioned

#0 Tedrick Wilcox Jr.

#3 Kyrese Mullen

#23 Dan Banister Jr.

#24 Ford Cooper

Players Mentioned

#0 Tedrick Wilcox Jr.

#3 Kyrese Mullen

#23 Dan Banister Jr.

#24 Ford Cooper