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Men's Basketball Head Coach and Stars Meet with Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 18:36 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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Tulane’s men’s basketball program kicked off its 2024‑25 media season with a high‑profile “Media Day” held at the university’s athletic complex on January 26, 2024. Head coach Eric Konkol, who arrived at Tulane in 2023 after a successful run at Central Arkansas, opened the day by highlighting the school’s renewed focus on both athletic performance and academic excellence. He underscored a commitment to building a culture that balances on‑court competitiveness with off‑court responsibility, noting that the new group of recruits embodies those values.

The event featured several of the team’s most prominent players—both returning stars and the fresh faces of the incoming class. The first player to speak was senior guard Jabari “Jab” Hill, who announced a personal best scoring average of 12.4 points per game last season, a 2‑point field‑goal percentage, and a notable improvement in his perimeter defense. Hill praised Konkol’s coaching philosophy, describing it as “intensely player‑centric” and “focused on creating a system where every individual can shine.” He also emphasized the importance of the team's chemistry, especially with the arrival of the 2024‑25 scholarship class.

Following Hill, sophomore forward Marcus “Maverick” Thompson—one of the most highly touted prospects in the Tulane recruiting pool—delivered a spirited speech about the role of leadership on campus. Thompson highlighted his experience playing in the U‑14 national championships and expressed excitement about joining a program that prioritizes both athletic and academic growth. He noted that the team's emphasis on community outreach aligns with his own values, mentioning a recent partnership with a local youth basketball clinic that the Green Wave’s player‑coach program supports.

The event then turned to the newcomers themselves. Four recruits made the official announcements: two big men, guard‑forward Zion “Z‑Man” Collins and power forward Omar “O‑Baller” Johnson, and two guards, point guard Tori “Speed” Anderson and shooting guard Jamal “J‑Spin” Carter. Each delivered short remarks about what it means to represent Tulane on the national stage. Collins emphasized the “rigor and discipline” of the program, while Anderson described the opportunity to develop under a coach who values both technical skill and personal growth. Johnson, who grew up in the New Orleans area, referenced the historic significance of playing at Tulane for a community he’d long admired.

Coach Konkol wrapped up his address with a look toward the forthcoming season. He spoke about the team’s record of 13‑20 in the 2023‑24 season and identified key areas for improvement—particularly perimeter shooting and transition defense. Konkol highlighted the addition of the 2024 recruits as a potential catalyst for those improvements. “We’ve brought in people who can shoot, who can defend, who can do both,” he said. “If they can stay disciplined, they’ll elevate the entire group.”

A key part of the media day was a question‑and‑answer session with a panel of journalists and alumni. The questions ranged from the tactical to the philosophical. One notable query asked Konkol how the coaching staff plans to integrate the freshmen’s “natural athleticism” with the experienced core. Konkol replied that the team will focus on “intensive film sessions” and “small‑group drills” to refine the young players’ decision‑making on fast breaks, a move that could help the team capitalize on the new talent’s quickness. Another question centered on the program’s academic support. Konkol cited the university’s tutoring center and a “study‑group” requirement for all scholarship athletes, reaffirming his commitment to student‑athlete development.

After the Q&A, several reporters were given an exclusive tour of Tulane’s new practice facilities. The state‑of‑the‑art indoor gym includes a full‑size court, an adjustable‑height basketball hoop for shooting drills, and a new weight‑lifting area that Konkol described as “cutting‑edge” and “built to reduce injury risk.” A highlight of the tour was a view of the “Green Wave Fan Zone,” a newly installed fan‑experience area featuring interactive displays of player statistics, historic moments, and a digital “wall of fame.” The tour was followed by a preview of the season’s schedule, which features a mix of home and away games against conference opponents like Xavier and Missouri State, along with non‑conference matchups against teams such as Tulane University’s rival, Louisiana State University (LSU).

The event concluded with a brief reception where players and staff mingled with alumni and local sponsors. Konkol’s remarks during the reception were particularly poignant: he emphasized the role of community in the Green Wave’s identity, stating, “Our success on the court is built on the support of families, alumni, and the greater New Orleans community.” The reception was punctuated by the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between Tulane Athletics and a local non‑profit that focuses on youth mentorship through sports.

In addition to the main media day coverage, the article linked to several supporting resources that provided deeper context for the readers. The first link led to the Tulane Men's Basketball Schedule page, detailing upcoming games, dates, and broadcast information. The second link opened the roster page, which includes player statistics, biographies, and height/weight measurements. A third link directed readers to the university’s academic support portal for athletes, offering information about tutoring, time‑management workshops, and eligibility requirements.

Overall, the media day was designed to showcase Tulane’s renewed direction under Coach Konkol, spotlight the integration of fresh talent into the existing roster, and emphasize the program’s commitment to both athletic success and academic achievement. The event served as a platform for the new recruits to express their enthusiasm for the Green Wave, while the returning players reiterated their dedication to teamwork and community engagement. The strategic focus on defense, shooting, and player development—highlighted by Konkol’s coaching philosophy—sets a clear path forward as Tulane looks to climb out of the bottom tier of the American Athletic Conference and establish itself as a competitive force in the coming seasons.