Huntsville is changing. If you haven't been to "The Hill" lately, you're missing a shift in energy that goes way beyond just new buildings. Most people look at the record and see just another mid-major program grinding through the winter. They’re wrong. Alabama A&M basketball is currently undergoing a massive identity transplant, and if you’re only checking the box scores, you’re missing the actual story.
The Donte Jackson Era: A New Blueprint
Let’s be real for a second. The last few years were... tough. Otis Hughley Jr. brought NBA pedigree and international flair, but the wins didn't follow the resume. When he resigned in March 2025, the program stood at a crossroads. Enter Donte Jackson.
You've probably heard the name if you follow the SWAC. Jackson didn't just coach at Grambling State; he took a program that was once the basement of Division I and dragged them to the NCAA Tournament in 2024. He brought that same "turnaround" DNA to Huntsville. Honestly, he didn't just bring a whistle; he brought almost his entire staff and a handful of players who already know how to win in this league.
The roster is basically "Grambling East" right now. Look at the names: Kintavious Dozier, P.J. Eason, James Graham III. These guys didn't just show up for a scholarship. They followed a coach they trust. That kind of chemistry is rare in the portal era, and it’s why the Bulldogs are playing with a chip on their shoulder that wasn’t there twelve months ago.
Why the AAMU Event Center Is a Problem (For Opponents)
If you’re still thinking about the old T.M. Elmore Gymnasium, you’re living in the past. The Alabama A&M Events Center is a 6,000-seat monster that feels more like a Power 5 arena than a typical SWAC gym.
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It’s loud. Kinda scary loud.
On January 18, 2025, the school set an attendance record with over 6,500 people crammed in for the Magic City Diamond Classic rival game against Alabama State. That atmosphere isn't an outlier anymore; it's becoming the standard. When the Bulldogs are at home, they aren't just playing a game; they’re defending a fortress. The floor is bright, the maroon and white are everywhere, and the "Bulldog Pride" is tangible.
Breaking Down the Current Squad
- Kintavious Dozier: The engine. He’s a 6-1 guard from Lanett who can score from basically anywhere on the court. He’s averaging double digits and, more importantly, he’s the guy Jackson trusts when the clock is winding down.
- The Length: This team is deceptively tall. With guys like 6-11 Samuel Onu and 6-10 James Flippin, they have a frontline that actually protects the rim.
- The French Connection: Sami Pissis has been a revelation. Coming from Paris (by way of New Hampshire), he brings a secondary playmaking ability that keeps defenses from just selling out to stop Dozier.
The Shelomi Sanders Factor
You can’t talk about Alabama A&M basketball right now without mentioning the women's side and the massive spotlight Shelomi Sanders brought with her. When the daughter of Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders transferred from Colorado to play for the Lady Bulldogs, the internet exploded.
But here is what most people get wrong: it’s not just a PR stunt. Shelomi is a redshirt junior who can actually play the game. She’s part of a broader movement to elevate the women’s program, which saw nearly 6,000 fans show up for their own matchup against Alabama State. The visibility is at an all-time high, and that's helping recruiting across the entire athletic department.
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A Brutal Schedule and the SWAC Grind
The Bulldogs haven't been "cupcake hunting" this season. They’ve traveled to places like Florida State and Georgia Tech, taking the "buy game" checks but also taking their swings. While the overall record might look modest to a casual observer, the SOS (Strength of Schedule) is what prepares this team for March.
The SWAC is a different beast. It’s a league of long bus rides, high-pressure defense, and physical play. Historically, the Bulldogs have struggled to find consistency once conference play starts in January. However, Jackson’s system—heavy on transition buckets and disciplined half-court defense—is designed to survive the February fatigue.
Basically, the team is built to peak when the tournament starts in Birmingham.
What Really Matters for the Future
The goal isn't just to have a winning season; it's to create a sustainable culture. For decades, Alabama A&M was seen as a football school first (shoutout to John Stallworth). Basketball was often the "other" winter sport.
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That’s dead.
The investment in the new arena, the hiring of a proven winner in Donte Jackson, and the national media attention surrounding the Sanders family have turned AAMU into a destination. You see it in the recruiting trails. You see it in the way the student section—the "maroon mob"—shows up two hours before tip-off.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Investors
If you're following the program or looking to engage more, keep these three things in mind:
- Watch the Turnover Margin: Jackson’s teams win when they force 15+ turnovers. If the Bulldogs are active in the passing lanes, they’re almost impossible to beat at home.
- Support the Lady Bulldogs: The women’s team is playing some of the most disciplined basketball in the region. Don't just show up for the men's game; the doubleheaders are where the real value is.
- Buy Tickets Early: The Alabama State game will sell out weeks in advance. If you want to experience the peak of HBCU basketball culture, you have to plan.
Alabama A&M basketball is no longer just a "participant" in the SWAC. They are actively trying to take over the league. It won't happen overnight, and there will be nights where the shots don't fall, but the foundation is finally solid. Next time you're in Huntsville, get to the Events Center. You'll see exactly what I'm talking about.