Sac State Men, Women Usher In New Hoops Era With Wins
The Sacramento State basketball program opened the 2025–26 season with energy and new leadership in their modern Hornet Pavilion. Both men’s and women’s teams started strong, each earning lopsided victories in front of eager fans.
Mike Bibby’s Coaching Debut
Former Sacramento Kings guard Mike Bibby made his debut as head coach of Sacramento State’s men’s team. His squad defeated Dominican 103–79 on November 4. Bibby, who guided the Kings during their early 2000s playoff runs, now leads a completely new 14-man roster — one of only eight programs nationally with no returning players.
Key Performers
- Prophet Johnson – 21 points
- Jayden Teat – 21 points
- Jeremiah Cherry – 17 points, 10 rebounds
- Brandon Gardner – 11 points
- Mikey Williams – 10 points
Cherry, standing 6-foot-11 and often compared to Karl-Anthony Towns in style and appearance, recorded a double-double and anchored the defense with three blocked shots.
Women’s Team Dominates Opener
Head coach Aaron Kallhoff’s women’s squad set the tone a day earlier with a commanding 124–39 victory over Stanton University. Five players scored in double figures, showcasing balanced offense and team chemistry.
New Home, New Start
Both teams competed inside the newly opened Hornet Pavilion, part of The WELL complex on campus. The men’s game drew a sellout crowd of 2,312, marking a milestone night for Sacramento State basketball.
“There were three successful debuts in Sacramento State basketball this week to launch the 2025–26 season.”
Author’s Summary
Both Sacramento State basketball teams opened their 2025–26 campaigns with emphatic wins in a brand-new arena, signaling a promising new era under fresh leadership.