By:Semaj Mills
On October 19th 2024, our Lions faced up against #7 ranked Duke University, the game was televised on ESPN+. The Lincoln Lions looked to make a big statement at the beginning of the season but drastically fell short of that goal. Although, the outcome of the score was lop sided there was a lot of good to take from the game with Reggie Hudson dropping a game high of 24 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assist. Due to this being an exhibition game as Lincoln fans we can all depend on Reggie and the rest of our seniors. Our Lions can trust that our CIAA champs will repeat their championship run and bring the trophy home once again. Although I was not in attendance for the game I can feel the immense excitement around this season. Lincoln will be rebuilding its gym over break and the team will be playing at a local high school close by. We shall see how playing at a neutral venue will affect the team this upcoming season.
The team is returning their entire roster from last year’s championship run with the addition of Eli Nix, a redshirt sophomore, Carson Croom, a transfer and incoming freshman Jahmir Brewer. The team will be starting the season with pieces of last seasons chemistry. Will chemistry be enough to repeat as CIAA champs? Although the majority of the team is returning they will be under new leadership with head coach Julius Hodge, former North Carolina State and NBA player. I spoke with players after walking around campus and asked how they felt about this year’s coaching compared to last years and they all feel more confident with this staff. Assistant coach Keyshawn McMahon is the only remaining coach from last seasons staff. After observing him with the team you can understand why they respect and love to play for him. With that being said “Go Lions!”
