LMU Basketball Culture: From Pick-Up Games to Club Team Formation

LMU Basketball Culture Thrives with Formation of Men’s Club Team

The love of basketball runs deep at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), with the courts at Burns Recreation Center constantly buzzing with activity. For many students, basketball is more than just a sport – it’s a way of life and a crucial part of their college experience.

Sophomore finance major Aidan Collins attests to the impact of pick-up basketball on his time at LMU, stating, “Being at Burns Rec, running fives at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, helped shape my experience here at LMU. You see a lot of the same people come every day, and we’ve all formed a pretty tight bond.”

However, for students like sophomore Connor Cadigan, the lack of competitive opportunities on campus was a void that needed to be filled. This led Cadigan to spearhead the formation of LMU’s first Men’s Club Basketball Team, with the goal of providing a more competitive outlet for basketball enthusiasts at the university.

As president of the club, Cadigan is working closely with Assistant Director of Intramural and Club Sports Raamen Bass to establish the team and potentially join the National Club Basketball Association (NCBBA) in 2024. The team aims to compete in regionals against schools like Stanford University, offering students a chance to continue their passion for basketball at a collegiate level.

Junior finance major Ryan Bahar, treasurer of the Men’s Club Basketball Team, emphasizes the importance of this initiative for incoming students, stating, “This would be a great opportunity, not just for me, but all the freshmen that will come to LMU and still get to play the game they love at a competitive level.”

The formation of the Men’s Club Basketball Team represents a significant development for LMU’s basketball community, providing a platform for students to bond over their shared love for the sport and compete at a higher level. With a focus on building a sense of family and community, the team aims to create meaningful relationships through shared adversity and a passion for the game.

For updates on the team, tryouts, and its inaugural season in fall 2024, follow @lmuclubmbb on Instagram. The future looks bright for LMU’s basketball culture, as the Men’s Club Team paves the way for a new era of competitive basketball on campus.