Men's Basketball To Visit Saint Joseph's in Exhibition Game For Autism Awareness On Oct. 26

Photo by: Jon Lambert

Men's Basketball To Visit Saint Joseph's in Exhibition Game For Autism Awareness On Oct. 26

9/20/2024 1:09:00 PM | Men's Basketball

LEWISBURG, Pa. -- The Saint Joseph's and Bucknell men's basketball programs are partnering to support autism awareness as the Hawks and Bison will play an NCAA-approved exhibition on Oct. 26 at Hagan Arena.

Tickets for the 1 p.m. exhibition are $20, with net proceeds of all ticket sales being donated to Saint Joseph's University's Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support. Groups of 10 or more can call the Saint Joseph's ticket office at 610-660-1779 for group rates.

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"We are excited for our opportunity to host an exhibition game at Hagan Arena, and looking forward to competing against a high-caliber team in Bucknell. Along with playing in front of our dedicated fan base, this is a chance to welcome back someone with a deep connection to St. Joe's basketball in Bucknell Head Coach John Griffin III. Griff has spent countless hours on Hawk Hill as the son of former Saint Joseph's Head Coach John Griffin II, and most recently as a member of our staff, and we're eager to welcome him back home," said Saint Joseph's head coach Billy Lange. "Most importantly, this game has become an impactful part of our season, and we're thrilled for the chance to once again partner with the Kinney Center to heighten awareness towards autism. The Kinney Center's servant nature resonates throughout the entire University, and we are grateful to help support them as all proceeds going to the mission of The Kinney Center."

"We are very excited for the opportunity to return to Philadelphia to compete against a storied college basketball program in Saint Joseph's," said Bucknell head coach John Griffin III. "First and foremost, the priority for the day is to raise awareness and financial support for the Kinney Center, which is a pillar institution as it relates to support for individuals with autism and their families. I am very appreciative of Coach Lange for inviting Bucknell to participate in this great cause. On a personal note, Saint Joe's has been a huge part of my life, and my brother Matt and I are very proud of our association with the university and the Hawks men's basketball program. Working side-by-side with Billy Lange for four years helped shape who I am as a coach, and this is a fun opportunity to reconnect in a competitive setting. Coach Lange has continued the tradition of building exciting basketball teams on Hawk Hill, and we are looking forward to the challenge on October 26."

About Bucknell
Second-year head coach John Griffin III, who was previously the associate head coach at Saint Joseph's under Billy Lange, brings in a Bucknell squad that is expected to be among the favorites in the Patriot League this season after the Bison finished in a tie for second place in the regular-season standings a year ago. The Bison will have to replace top scorer Jack Forrest, but they return their next six scoring leaders, including Third Team All-Patriot League selection Noah Williamson. The 7'0" center is looking to build on a breakout sophomore campaign, when he averaged 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. Bucknell also brings back two senior guards in Elvin Edmonds IV (10.8 ppg) and Josh Bascoe (9.4 ppg), who combined for over 200 assists in 2023-24.

About Saint Joseph's
Saint Joseph's is coming off a 21-14 campaign in 2023-24, highlighted by a NIT appearance and Big 5 Championship. The Hawks enter the 2024-25 season bolstered by Atlantic 10 All-Conference First Team honoree Erik Reynolds II (17.3 ppg) as the electric rising senior ranked nation in made three-pointers (112) a season ago, and enters this year 15th all-time in scoring (1,616 points) and fifth in three-pointers (261). Returning alongside Reynolds II in the Hawks' starting lineup are reigning A-10 Rookie of the Year Xzayvier Brown (12.7 ppg, 3.3 apg, 1.8 spg) and All-Big 5 honoree Rasheer Fleming, who is coming off a breakout season in which he averaged 10.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, while leading St. Joe's in field goal percentage (.528). Joining Saint Joseph's lineup of seven returning letterwinners are transfers Justice Ajogbor and Derek Simpson and rookies Mekai Johnson, Kevin Kearney, Khaafiq Myers, Steven Solano and Billy Rayer.

About The Kinney Center
The Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a community-facing service, education, and research organization that provides comprehensive and caring individualized support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.