Men’s Basketball officially made its way back onto campus on Monday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. The winter season opens an exciting time for both students and the residents of Lewisburg, bringing more than just electric games, loud and cheerful music from the band and fun games during halftimes. It also builds community.
The basketball season is special because of how it creates a chance to represent something bigger than just the team. It gives the team a chance to represent the university, alumni and the Lewisburg community, building pride behind the jersey.
Basketball is not something that just starts in November. The team prepares all year for the five-month season, working hard in the off season so that the winter can be successful. The Men’s Basketball team has been preparing since June: training, film, lifting, recovering, repeat. The team has been working on the little technical things to challenge each other, build confidence and grow as a group. With a tough schedule ahead, including three Power 5 and two Ivy League games approaching, the Bison are fueled and ready to charge.
The team works hard for a winning season, all the more to make the fans in the stands excited to attend. Not only is the team pushing itself, but people all around the community also prepare for opening night and all the other home games. Athletic facility staff, student workers, voluntary band members and so many more are all a part of the big picture that makes basketball season special.
“My favorite part about contributing to the basketball games and their home season is the sense of community that surrounds Bucknell athletics,” student worker Maddy Hudak ’27 shared. “As a student-athlete myself, I don’t always see what goes on behind the scenes, but this role has given me the opportunity to work closely and build meaningful relationships with the entire athletics staff. It’s been incredible to witness firsthand how passionate and dedicated they are to supporting every athlete here at Bucknell.”
What makes Bucknell basketball unique is the connection that builds between the team, university and the town. The whole campus can feel the bright atmosphere when the lights are up in Sojka Pavillion.
The team is more than just the student-athletes: it is also made up of student managers and coaches who are all-in. The Bison are working for a culture of hard work, accountability and competitive joy. They are a team of great students that compete for each other and that Bucknell is proud to be represented by.
“For Bucknell, basketball season means togetherness,” Hudak said. “The excitement of everyone being together in Sojka Pavilion is unmatched. The lights, music and sea of orange and blue makes me so undeniably proud to be a Bison.”
The Bison won their season opener in Sojka Pavilion against Delaware, 78-70. The next home game will be on Nov. 14, where the university and town have another chance to demonstrate the power of Bison pride.
