Season 71
Arena Capacity: 17312 (+3526)
Season Ticket holders 1318 (+325)
Buckner Bandits – Season 71 Preview
Welcome to Season 71, the ninth season of Buckner Bandits basketball. After years of steady growth and patient development, the Bandits have officially earned promotion to Division III, landing in Group 7—a neighborhood that wastes no time reminding newcomers how tough it can be.
A quick glance around the division makes one thing clear: survival will not come easily. Several opponents have been building their programs for 50 seasons or more, and Division III experience is deep across the board. For Buckner, this season will be less about comfort and more about character.
The Bandits find themselves in the Great 8, where the way-too-early projections have The Musicians as favorites, followed by Rashmonsters, with Drunken Sconnies and Bananahorns battling for the remaining playoff spots. Ranked 281 nationally, and currently the lowest-ranked team in the Great 8, the Bandits enter the season with no illusions—and plenty of motivation.
Coach and General Manager Mr. Lit was candid about the road ahead.
“We’re excited to be here, but we know every game will be a battle,” Lit said. “We’ve trained our guys well, and our goal this season is to stay in the division. Next year, we want to start pushing for the playoffs. This is a good, solid, homegrown group—but there will definitely be some growing pains.”
Leadership on the floor will come from guard Mick Hunt, forward William Moore, and center Greyson Tobin.
“Mick has been the backbone of this team,” Lit continued. “He’s the heart and soul of the Buckner Bandits. We’re thrilled with the steps Tobin has taken over the last few seasons to anchor the inside, and Moore has clearly lived in the gym this offseason—his all-around game has really taken a jump.”
Off the court, the organization continues to invest in its future. Arena upgrades are underway, including 1,000 new bleacher seats, 2,000 lower-tier seats, 20 courtside seats, and 8 luxury boxes, with completion expected in approximately three weeks.
The climb will be steep, the nights long, and the lessons plenty—but this is exactly the kind of challenge Buckner basketball was built for. The Bandits ask their fans to show up, be loud, and grow alongside a team that refuses shortcuts and believes in earning every step forward.
And as the season tips off, I’ll leave you with this thought:
“This year isn’t about where the Bandits start—it’s about who they become along the way. If they keep learning, keep believing, and keep playing for each other, good things tend to find teams like that. So let’s enjoy the ride, trust the work, and remember: you don’t have to be the biggest bandit in the room—just the one who keeps showing up.”
This is B. Hatton, reporting for the Buckner Bandits, and looking forward to a season full of growth, grit, and a few surprises along the way. 🏀