Good as gold

KSU men’s basketball team’s success is generating excitement beyond the court

Por Kennesaw State University

21 de February de 2023

In a historic season, the Kennesaw State men’s basketball team keeps finding new summits.

The Owls have long since guaranteed themselves the first winning season of the program’s Division I era (since 2004). They’ve already eclipsed the 20-win barrier, a common benchmark of success in college basketball. And last Thursday night, they beat Liberty University 88-81, the first win over their conference rivals in school history, to take over sole possession of first place in the ASUN Conference.

The Owls have made more than program history this season.

They’ve made one of Georgia’s largest universities a nest of activity and pride, and a palpable buzz has set in during the winter months. They’ve strengthened the sense of community on Kennesaw State’s suburban campus and given the community someone to root for.

“What you all are doing for this university as you play for this team and you play for each other is just amazing,” KSU president Kat Schwaig said in the team’s locker room after Thursday’s game. “To see the Convocation Center filled like it is with that energy and that passion—this is what we’re about at this university. We’re about winning, but we’re also about being together and having a great experience.”

Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, who grew up in Marietta, pointed to the adversity the Owls have faced—from a 1-28 final record in 2019-20 to a 14-point deficit in the second half Thursday. Climbing hills is second nature to the 2022-23 Owls, who fed off the energy of the largest crowd in recent memory to rally for the win.

“Before, we would have been rattled, and we would have hung our heads,” Abdur-Rahim said. “But that tells you the growth of our program, and of our university. We are a spitting image of our university, our community, and I can't be prouder of our guys."

But the Owls aren’t done.

They can still win conference championships for both the regular season and the ASUN tournament. With a win in the former, they’ll host the conference tournament. With a win in the latter, they’ll advance to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament—March Madness—the biggest possible stage for the program.