HAMPTON, Va. (Sept. 24, 2024) — The Hampton Pirates men’s basketball team officially kicked off their 2024-25 season with their opening practice on Monday afternoon. With just 41 days remaining until the season opener against Mid-Atlantic Christian on November 4, anticipation is building for a new era in Pirates basketball under the guidance of Head Coach Ivan Thomas.
Coach Thomas, a Norfolk, Va. native, takes over the reins of the program after a highly successful tenure as the Associate Head Coach at Georgetown University. Thomas’ extensive coaching background spans all levels of basketball, including high school, AAU, and college basketball. Notably, he spent nine years on Coach Ed Cooley’s staff at both Georgetown and Providence, where he developed a reputation for his ability to recruit top talent and help develop players on the court. Thomas also has deep local ties, having coached for the Boo Williams 17U team and at Kecoughtan High School in Hampton Roads, making him well acquainted with the region’s basketball landscape.
As Coach Thomas embarks on his first season leading the Pirates, he has assembled an impressive staff to support him. His inaugural coaching staff includes Brian Graves, Greg Fahey, Calvin Cage, Mike Carr, Jack Manning, and Kyron Cartwright. Each member of the staff brings a wealth of experience and expertise, which will be crucial as the team works to build a competitive program under Thomas’ leadership.
Returning Players: Stability and Promise
The Pirates will have a mix of returning players and fresh faces for the 2024-25 campaign. Two key returnees from the 2023-24 roster are standout junior Kyrese Mullen and sophomore Dan Banister Jr.
Mullen, a product of Norfolk, Va., is a cornerstone of the team heading into the new season. As a sophomore, Mullen led the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) in double-doubles, showcasing his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. He finished the year averaging an impressive 14.8 points per game and 8.4 rebounds per game, solidifying his reputation as one of the top players in the conference. His leadership and experience will be critical as he takes on a larger role this season.
Banister, who had a breakout game last season with a career-high 18 points against Monmouth, also returns to the fold. The high-scoring guard will be expected to provide additional scoring depth and leadership, particularly as the Pirates integrate their new additions.
A Fresh New Look: 14 New Faces
While the returning core is strong, Coach Thomas has worked hard to reshape the roster, bringing in 14 new players to help energize the team for the 2024-25 season. The incoming class is a blend of talent from across the country, including several notable transfers and recruits who are expected to make an immediate impact.
Among the standout newcomers is Wayne Bristol Jr., a transfer from Georgetown. Bristol, who played in every game for the Hoyas during his freshman season, has a wealth of Division I experience. He was previously named MEAC Player of the Year during his time at Howard, and his addition to the roster brings a dynamic, experienced player who is familiar with high-level competition.
DJ Johnson, a versatile forward from Chicago, Ill., comes to Hampton after spending time at Brewster Academy, one of the top prep schools in the nation. Johnson was ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and is considered one of the top small forward prospects in the country. His skill set and athleticism are expected to make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball. Brewster Academy’s alumni include NBA stars such as Donovan Mitchell, TJ Warren, Will Barton, and Devonte’ Graham, highlighting the caliber of talent Johnson has been exposed to. His pedigree and development make him one of the most highly anticipated newcomers for the Pirates.
Trevor Smith, who joins the Pirates after a year at the University of Richmond, is another key addition. Smith, a former Virginia State Player of the Year, brings scoring ability, leadership, and size to the frontcourt. His success at the high school level—where he was recognized as the top player in his class—has earned him a spot on the Pirates roster, and he will be counted on to contribute immediately.
In addition to these standout newcomers, the Pirates also feature several other recruits who will add depth and versatility to the roster. With five players hailing from the Hampton Roads area, including some who played at local high schools and AAU programs, Coach Thomas is reinforcing his commitment to developing talent from the local community while building a strong team culture.
Coach Thomas’ Vision for the Program
As the Pirates prepare for their season opener against Mid-Atlantic Christian, Coach Thomas has emphasized the importance of building a cohesive team and fostering a competitive environment. He believes that with the mix of experienced returnees and talented newcomers, the Pirates have the potential to be a force in the CAA. However, he is also realistic about the challenges ahead, acknowledging that the team will need time to gel and find its rhythm on both ends of the floor.
“I’m excited about the direction we’re heading,” Coach Thomas said after Monday’s practice. “We have a talented group, and we’re focusing on establishing a strong foundation. It’s about creating a winning culture, developing our players on and off the court, and competing at the highest level.”
While the 2024-25 season represents a fresh start for the Pirates, it also marks a critical year for Hampton basketball as the program transitions to new leadership and attempts to build a championship-caliber team. With Coach Thomas’ leadership, the return of key players like Kyrese Mullen, and the infusion of talented newcomers, the Pirates are poised for an exciting season that could set the stage for continued success in the years to come.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future
As the season opener approaches, the Pirates’ coaching staff and players are focused on building chemistry and preparing for the challenges of the upcoming schedule. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, the team’s outlook for the 2024-25 season is promising. The Pirates are ready to compete at a high level in the CAA and beyond, and Coach Thomas’ leadership and vision will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the program.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the team as they begin their journey under Coach Thomas’ leadership. Whether the Pirates can live up to their potential will depend on how quickly the players adapt to their new roles and how effectively the coaching staff integrates the talent on the roster. Regardless of the immediate results, Coach Thomas’ vision for Hampton basketball is clear: to build a competitive, disciplined, and successful program that can make a mark in the CAA and beyond.
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