STOCKTON, Calif.- Pacific men's basketball kicks off their 2023-24 season next week hosting Sam Houston at the Alex G. Spanos Center on Nov. 6. After finishing tied for fifth in the conference a year prior, the Tigers spent the offseason building on key foundational pieces to prepare for the upcoming season.
 
At the start of last season, the Tigers were selected to place tenth in the WCC. Shattering notions and expectations aren't new to them, so they set out to make some noise. With multiple additions and a unified front from the returners, Pacific went 7-9 in conference games last year to tie San Francisco and BYU in fifth, after only capturing three WCC wins in the 2021-22 season.
 
Now faced with similar considerations ahead of the upcoming season, the Tigers are prepared to bring a similar edge. They know they have to fight tough in every game to garner recognition, but they also know how to play free and have fun.
 
A lot of emphasis has been placed on fostering team chemistry this offseason, but it isn't because the team was asked to. They naturally took to that themselves and it's something that hasn't gone unnoticed by the coaching staff. 
 
On and off the court, the team has been enjoying each other's presence, sharing in both laughter and seriousness together. The team's ability to make each moment fun speaks volumes about the type of culture head coach Leonard Perry has worked to develop at Pacific.
 
Now entering his third season at the helm, Perry is ready to take his team to further heights. He speaks highly of their attitude and commitment to each other and to their betterment. "I really like the way they get along, the way they treat each other and the way they work," he shared, "We will be playing with a chip on our shoulder for sure, to continue to garner respect in this league. It's going to take a lot of work, but I like this team, I like our additions. I think it's going to be a good year."
 
The Tigers returned all but four from last year's squad. With some senior members making their exit, the returners took it upon themselves to step up. Across the board, they bring in more experience, motivation, and consistency. Having spent multiple years in college ball, they have the 'been there' and 'know-how' mentality to share with each other and the new additions.

Four new additions join the Tigers, including two transfers and two freshmen. Senior Lesown Hallums, Jr. arrived from South Carolina State and redshirt junior Burke Smith joined the Tigers by way of Boise State. Both incoming freshmen signed on from overseas, with Tan Yildizoglu hailing from Turkey and Villiam Garcia Adsten from Sweden. 
 
Locked and loaded with a full staff and an experienced roster, the Tigers look forward to the start of competition. They begin their non-conference slate on Monday, Nov. 6 as they take on Sam Houston at home.
 
Single game tickets are on sale now, starting Wednesday, Nov. 1. Purchase them here so as not to miss a moment of their 2023-24 debut!