HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University men's basketball team continues its preparation as the 2025-26 season closes in.
With under two weeks until the Lions' season opener, as excitement brews for college hoops in Hammond, America, seventh year head coach David Kiefer is pleased with the progress his squad has made since its first official practice.
"From the jump, I saw the athleticism, depth and talent the team possessed and we've worked to piece it all together," stated Coach Kiefer. "The guys have bought into the program and our culture and it's been exciting to see."
Southeastern finished the 2024-25 season 18-14 overall and 12-8 in Southland Conference play, with its fifth consecutive appearance in the Southland Conference Tournament under Kiefer's leadership. Though having to rebuild, SLU retained five returners from last season's roster including SLC Freshman of the Year Jeremy Elyzee. Elyzee averaged 10.4 points per game with 5.0 rebounds while leading the Lions with 21 blocks.
"Jeremy and Jaiden Lawrence have stepped up in their leadership roles being returners alongside our new additions Ethan Pickett and Isaiah Gaines," commented Kiefer. "They're our alphas and lead in the right way."
Fifth-year transfers Pickett and Gaines are amongst the 10 newcomers added to bolster Southeastern's roster this season to reinforce its strength in numbers alongside freshman Peter Hemschemeier and Pacific transfer Seth Jones.
"The guys have remained solid through all the adjustments that come with a fairly new team," said Kiefer. "Many of the newcomers jump out right away due to their performances in practice, and a big part of this season will be the production they will bring."
SLU will tip off Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. in an exhibition against Mississippi College before traveling to Oxford, Miss. to face Ole Miss in its season opener Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. The Lions' game against the Rebels will be streamed on SEC Network+.
HARDWOOD CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the basketball program are encouraged to join the Hardwood Club. Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letterwinners. All membership fees and donations to Hardwood Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern basketball program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Basketball, follow @LionUpMBB and @DavidKieferSLU on Twitter, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and subscribe to the SLUathletics YouTube channel.
TICKETS
For ticket information, please contact the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466 or visit www.LionSports.net/tickets. Southeastern is implementing mobile ticketing as the primary source for securing tickets. All tickets will be available via e-mail in a PDF format for fans to download on their phone or print at home. Tickets can also be downloaded to Apple Wallet.
