by Taylor Cotie

The Greensboro College men’s basketball team is officially more than halfway through their 2023-2024 season, with only three games remaining in the regular season. The team has a current conference record of 6-3, with an overall record of 10-10. The Pride are looking to finish the season strong, currently sitting in second place right behind Mary Baldwin University, who are in first. 

The team has had to deal with some changes this season after it was announced in April 2023 that the team would be hiring a new head coach in Coach Jim Boone. The program was thrilled to find out they were bringing in one of the most successful basketball coaches in the country.  

The Collegian had a chance to speak with Coach Boone and ask him some questions about their season so far. When asked what his plan is going into the second half of the conference season, Boone replied, “Our plan has not changed since taking on this opportunity last April – we are working tirelessly to build and develop a championship culture. Our primary goal this year has been to establish a sound foundation from which to build this culture. I could not be more pleased with the amazing progress we have made in such a short period of time, and that is a direct reflection of the quality student-athletes in our program. Our plan heading into the second half of conference play is to simply continue building this foundation on and off the floor.” Last season, the team finished with a conference record of 5-9 and an overall record of 10-15. With their current season record sitting at what it is now, we already see the impact Coach Boone has had on this program.  

The Collegian also asked Coach Boone about his thoughts on how the team has grown from the start of the season to now and he said, “The growth of this group has been nothing but short of miraculous. We have a very strong locker room; our program standards and expectations have been established; we are learning how to practice hard, to compete, the importance of staying the course and becoming a cohesive team. We have made incredible progress and we continue to grow.” 

The men’s basketball team earned a thrilling victory at home over Mary Baldwin University on Tuesday, January 23. Hanes Gym was packed with students and faculty as they watched the Pride go head-to-head with the first-place holders. The Pride were up the first half 26-23, but Mary Baldwin never faltered and came close several times throughout the second half.  After an exciting matchup, Greensboro pulled through to defeat the Fighting Squirrels 58-53. 

After the game, I spoke with Coach Boone and asked him what this win against Mary Baldwin meant to them. He responded, “Obviously, to play as well as we did; to find a way to defeat the current number one team in our league, is a tremendous sign of development and growth by our group, but I do believe that our team fully understands that this is a process. It is a one day at a time approach that focuses on the moment and what we have to do to be the best version of ourselves in that moment. It is a great step in the right direction, and hopefully we can continue to work hard together to build upon this victory.” 

The team will be traveling to Rocky Mount, North Carolina on Saturday, February 10 to face North Carolina Wesleyan University, with the game being held at 2 PM. Come out to show your support for the Pride as they close out their regular season!