NEW ORLEANS | Nov. 3, 2025 — A wave of new talent, a statement preseason performance, and a tough season-opening road test headline the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign for the University of New Orleans men’s basketball program, which travels to face TCU Monday night at Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena.
UNO enters its 56th season with renewed optimism and momentum following an 89–76 victory over Sacramento State on Oct. 18 in the Southwest Shootout—an early showcase of the Privateers’ revamped roster, improved depth, and defensive growth.
Buckley Era Begins With a Bang
If one performance set the tone for the new-look Privateers, it was the standout debut of All-Southland transfer guard Jakevion Buckley. The electrifying junior delivered 25 points, eight assists, and 10 made free throws, dictating pace and punishing defenders off the dribble in 31 minutes.
Smooth, crafty, and composed, Buckley wasted no time proving he can be the engine of this team.
“He made everyone around him better,” UNO head coach Mark Slessinger said. “He’s dynamic, he’s fearless, and he’s a leader.”
Fresh Faces, Fast Impact
With at least 10 newcomers for the second straight season, the Privateers retooled extensively through the portal and junior-college ranks. Early returns? Depth everywhere.
Texas State transfer Coleton Benson knocked down four threes en route to 14 points, while sophomore MJ Thomas reminded everyone why he was one of the best first-year players in the Southland last season, posting 17 points and 10 rebounds in 15 high-energy minutes.
High-flying forward TJ Cope electrified the Lakefront crowd with four highlight dunks, while William Patterson (Syracuse signee) added eight points without a miss from the field.
Defense Tightens, Identity Forms
After allowing Sacramento State to shoot 51% in the first half, UNO’s defensive adjustment was emphatic:
• 34% opponent shooting after halftime
• 1-for-13 from three
• +11 rebound margin in second half (28–17)
The Privateers aren’t just deeper — they’re longer, more athletic, and hungrier on the glass.
“That second-half effort is who we want to be,” Slessinger said.
A Big 12 Road Test Awaits
Monday brings a steep challenge: a seasoned TCU team returning nine players from a 16-16 campaign and boasting one of the Big 12’s strongest home-court advantages (14-3 at home).
Sophomore forward David Punch anchors the Horned Frogs’ returning core, while transfer guards Brock Harding (Iowa) and Jayden Pierre (Providence) bolster the backcourt.
TCU head coach Jamie Dixon, entering his 10th season, brings a 504-229 career record and 15 NCAA Tournament appearances. Adding intrigue: former UNO standout Jaimie McNeilly returns to the sideline opposite his alma mater as a Horned Frogs assistant.
Series & Stakes
UNO is 31-24 all-time in season openers but has never beaten TCU in two previous meetings (1998 and 2014). Last season, the Privateers opened at another Big 12 venue in Manhattan, falling at Kansas State.
Now, with arguably their deepest roster in years, they’re eager for a different script.
Players to Watch – UNO
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Jakevion Buckley — Scoring and playmaking catalyst
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MJ Thomas — Double-double threat, rebounding machine
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Coleton Benson — Floor-spacer with quick release
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TJ Cope — Rim-runner and energy spark
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William Patterson & Churchill Abass — Size and rim protection
Players to Watch – TCU
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David Punch — Versatile forward, highest returning production
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Brock Harding — Shot-making guard with prior UNO success
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Jayden Pierre — Physical, athletic backcourt piece
What’s at Stake
For UNO, Game 1 isn’t about perfection — it’s about identity. Stack stops. Win the glass. Let the depth shine. Prove that this newly assembled core can compete with Power-Five athleticism.
For TCU, it’s about protecting home court and launching a bounce-back year in a stacked Big 12.
Tip-Off
UNO at TCU
Monday | 7 p.m. CT
Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena | Fort Worth, Texas
Broadcast: BIG12 Now / ESPN+
The road is tough — but the Privateers have the energy, the pieces, and the belief to take their first step boldly.
