HOUSTON – The HBU Tip-Off Club held their annual Kickoff Event over the weekend at McNair Hall inside Morris Cultural Arts Center on the HBU campus. Despite the inclement weather, over 180 fans and supporters of the men's basketball team attended the program.
"It was a great turnout," head men's basketball coach
Ron Cottrell said. "We are really appreciative of all the guests who came out in the weather and attended our event. As evident by their attendance, there is a lot of excitement around this upcoming season.
"I especially want to thank coach Jeff Van Gundy for coming out and showing such strong support for our guys and this program."
Guests had the opportunity to hear about the upcoming 2015-16 season and ways they can help the team by getting involved, while enjoying a barbeque lunch. HBU President Dr. Robert B. Sloan, Jr., Tip-Off Chairman Corey Thomas, special guest speaker Jeff Van Gundy and Cottrell addressed those in attendance, as KHOU weekend sports anchor Matt Musil moderated the event.
President Robert B. Sloan, Jr., Matt Musil, Tip-Off Chairman Corey Thomas address crowd.
President Sloan, first to take the podium, informed fans on the progress and upcoming developments of HBU and the campus as the University currently as its highest attendance ever. Thomas, a HBU letterwinner from 2005-2006, followed, talking about his time as a Husky when he transferred in prior to his junior season, his relationship with Cottrell and urged attendees to join the Tip-Off Club.
Jeff Van Gundy was the special guest speaker for the event.
Fans then got the opportunity to hear from Van Gundy, as he sat down with Musil on stage. Van Gundy shared stories from his time in the NBA and also talked about the new college basketball rules and where he sees the sport going. Van Gundy is no stranger to the HBU program and often seen in the stands at Sharp Gym when his schedule permits. He is currently a basketball analyst for ESPN, serving as a NBA head coach with the New York Knicks (1996-2001) and Houston Rockets (2003-2007) before making the move to TV.
Cottrell closed the program, reiterating the exciting time it is on campus and for fans to get involved, before introducing the team and previewing the upcoming season. HBU opens the season at New Mexico State on Friday, Nov. 13.
