Watch Drake Shock Fans with Half-Court Buzzer-Beater at Celebrity Basketball Showdown

Drake Bulldogs basketball roars into the 2025-26 season this afternoon when the men’s team squares off with Northern Arizona in the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon at Sioux Falls’ Sanford Pentagon. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. CT, with a free live stream on the Field of 68 YouTube and X channels and radio coverage via The Varsity Network. The match-up marks the debut of head coach Eric Henderson, hired on March 28 after guiding South Dakota State to two NCAA Tournament bids in six seasons. He inherits a drastically reshaped roster: 11 newcomers (seven transfers, four freshmen) join holdovers Andrew Alia and Eli Shetlar, leaving Drake with less than one percent of its 2024-25 statistical production returning. Key arrivals to watch • Jalen Quinn – senior guard and preseason All-MVC honoree • Isaiah Carr – 7-foot rim protector from New Mexico • Wilguens Jr. Exacte – athletic 6-6 wing expected to boost perimeter defense • Okku Federiko – 6-9 sophomore forward with Big Ten experience • Jaehshon Thomas – veteran playmaker who averaged 12.4 ppg last year Northern Arizona counters with only three returning lettermen after an 18-win season that ended in the CBI. Head coach Shane Burcar overhauled his lineup with seven transfers, earning a No. 10 projection in the Big Sky preseason poll. Why this opener matters • First look at Henderson’s up-tempo, position-less system • National exposure as part of a 24-hour hoops marathon • Crucial résumé piece before a rugged Missouri Valley Conference slate Fast facts • Series: Drake leads 1-0 (76-56 win on Nov. 30, 2013) • Venue: Sanford Pentagon seats 3,250 and hosted NBA preseason action in October • Betting line: KenPom projects Drake by 9 points with a 78 % win probability What’s next? The Bulldogs raise last season’s MVC trophy inside the Knapp Center on Thursday, Nov. 6, when Robert Morris visits Des Moines for the home opener (6:30 p.m. CT). Fans can secure single-game and season tickets at GoDrakeBulldogs.com or by calling 515-271-3647. Women’s update Earlier today, Drake women’s basketball opened its campaign with an 83-65 road victory over Eastern Illinois behind 22-point nights from Anna Becker and Abbie Aalsma, extending head coach Allison Pohlman’s November win streak to nine games. Search-friendly takeaways • Drake basketball season opener, live stream, and TV info • Eric Henderson’s first game on the Bulldogs bench • Roster breakdown: transfers and freshmen to know • Field of 68 Marathon spotlight for Drake men’s basketball Stay locked on Drake basketball all season for scores, highlights, and Missouri Valley Conference standings as the Bulldogs chase their third straight trip to March Madness.