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SEATTLE – After a brief stint at home, Seattle University’s men’s basketball team is gearing up to embark on a crucial road trip. This week, the Redhawks are set to participate in the prestigious Terry’s Chocolate Vegas Showdown, commencing with a matchup against Furman University from the Southern Conference. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 26, with tip-off at 8:30 p.m. from the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This thrilling encounter is the second game of the day at the arena, following a much-anticipated showdown featuring top-ranked teams Kansas and Duke. Fans can catch Seattle U’s action live on ESPNU, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of the excitement.
FOLLOW THE REDHAWKS
QUICK HITS
- Currently, the Redhawks are riding a resilient two-game winning streak after an initially rocky start of 0-3 to their season.
- In their most recent contest, they dominated Northwest University with an impressive score of 80-52, marking the 23rd all-time victory against the Eagles and marking their eighth consecutive win over this rival.
- Paris Dawson took center stage, leading a balanced offense with 16 points, including an outstanding 9-of-10 from the charity stripe.
- Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe contributed significantly with 14 points, while both Brayden Maldonado and DaSean Stevens added to the scoring with 10 points each, showcasing their offensive prowess.
- Notably, the double-digit scoring performances for Maldonado and Stevens marked their second consecutive game with such achievements, underlining their offensive consistency.
- The high-stakes match against Northwest featured a remarkable 60 foul calls, with the Redhawks excelling from the free-throw line, going 29-of-40. This shooting performance ties their most attempts since Dec. 23, 2022.
ABOUT THE SERIES VS FURMAN
This matchup will be the first-ever encounter between the Redhawks and Paladins, setting the stage for a historic game as these two programs clash.
NATIONAL RANKS (games thru Nov. 23)
As of now, the Redhawks rank:
- 39th in Free Throw Attempts Per Game, averaging 26.2.
- 50th in Free Throws Made Per Game, averaging 18.0 per game.
- 50th in Three Point Percentage, showcasing a solid shooting percentage of 38.7.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
- The Redhawks’ roster is enriched with local talent, featuring five players who hail from Washington State, including three who proudly represent Seattle. Key players include returning stars John Christofilis (O’Dea HS/Creighton), Malek Gomma (Ingraham HS/Elite Prep), and Niko Fotopoulos (Bishop Blanchete HS/St. Thomas More School), alongside new additions Maleek Arington and Ray Adams.
- Seattle U’s coaching staff is deeply rooted in local connections, with assistant coaches Grant Leep, D’Marques Tyson, Steven Shpreyregin, and Bryce Douglas all having strong ties to Washington State.
INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR
While the Redhawks represent Washington with pride, they also bring a rich international blend, including players from China, Japan, England, Canada, and Australia, making their roster one of diverse backgrounds.
SEATTLE STORYLINES
- The 2024-25 season signifies the Redhawks’ final year in the Western Athletic Conference, as they prepare to transition into the West Coast Conference starting July 1, 2025.
- Returning to action, Seattle U boasts seven players from last year’s squad that finished the 2023-24 season with an impressive 23-14 record, ultimately winning the 2024 College Basketball Invitational, clinching the program’s first postseason championship.
- With three consecutive seasons achieving 20 or more wins, the Redhawks are making history again; this is the first time the program accomplished this feat since the late 1950s.
- Seattle U claimed its first-ever Division I conference title, winning the 2022 Western Athletic Conference regular season championship, adding to their previous title in 2007 from the DII Great Northwest Athletic Conference.
- The Redhawks stand out amongst Division I programs, being tied for the most international true freshmen on their roster, showcasing their global reach in recruiting.
- This season, Seattle U’s Houran Dan and Eric Zheng represent the small yet impactful group of players coming from China, while Yuto Kawashima proudly represents Japan.
- Kobe Williamson etched his name in the program’s history books, becoming the all-time leading shot blocker with 147 career blocks as of Dec. 9, 2023.
WHAT’S IN A NUMBER
A new season brings change for three Redhawks, as they have opted for different jersey numbers. Senior Vasja Pandža has switched from No. 1 to No. 7, sophomore Malek Gomma has traded No. 24 for No. 8, and senior Kobe Williamson will now wear No. 96 instead of No. 33.
HOME COURT ADVANTAGE
Under the leadership of Head Coach Chris Victor, Seattle U has established a dominant presence at home, recording an impressive 43-9 (.827) record over the past three-plus seasons, including a formidable 12-2 this season alone.
PRESEASON HONORS
In recognition of his outstanding talent, redshirt junior guard John Christofilis earned a spot on the Preseason All-Western Athletic Conference Team. Last season, he averaged an impressive 12.7 points per game, consistently proving to be a key scoring threat and contributing significantly to the team’s success.
WAC PRESEASON POLLS
In the 2024-25 Western Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, Seattle University garnered third place. Their solid ranking reflects the team’s robust performance in the previous season and the high expectations placed on them this year.
GET YOUR TICKETS
Fans can reserve their seats for the thrilling season ahead by purchasing single-game tickets and season packages. Season ticket holders enjoy exclusive benefits and the best value for their support. For ticket purchases, please visit goseattleu.com/tix or call 206-398-GOSU.
UP NEXT
Continuing their road journey, Seattle U will face Duke University for the first time in program history on Friday, Nov. 29. The highly anticipated tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. ET, 4 p.m. PT, and fans can witness the action live on the ACC Network.
Donate Today
Fans interested in making a gift to Seattle University Athletics can do so by clicking here. Your generous contributions support all Redhawk student-athletes as they pursue excellence both on and off the court.
Follow Along With the Action
Stay connected with Seattle U men’s basketball by downloading the GoSeattleU mobile app, available free now at the App Store or on Google Play.
How has teamwork contributed to Seattle U’s recent successes on the basketball court?
**Interview with Seattle U Men’s Basketball Player John Christofilis**
*Interviewer:* Thanks for joining us, John! The team has had a rocky start to the season but managed to bounce back with two wins. What do you attribute this turnaround to?
*John Christofilis:* It’s great to be here! I think the key to our turnaround has been our focus on communication and teamwork. After the tough start, we really regrouped and emphasized our game plan. We’ve practiced hard and stayed positive, and it showed in our recent games, especially the big win against Northwest.
*Interviewer:* Speaking of that game, it was quite a dominant performance! Paris Dawson had an impressive night leading the scores. How does it feel to have a balanced offense like that?
*John Christofilis:* It feels amazing! When we have multiple players stepping up, it makes the game so much easier. Teams can’t just focus on one guy. Paris, Matthew, DaSean—everyone is putting in the work, and it’s crucial for our success as we move forward.
*Interviewer:* You’re on the Preseason All-WAC Team this year. What does that recognition mean to you personally, and how does it motivate you for the season?
*John Christofilis:* Being recognized like that is humbling, and it definitely motivates me to perform at my best every game. I want to help lead this team as we strive for our goals this season, especially as we transition to the West Coast Conference next year. It’s an exciting time for Seattle U basketball.
*Interviewer:* The upcoming matchup against Furman will be a historic first encounter for both teams. What do you know about them, and how are you preparing for this game?
*John Christofilis:* We’ve done our homework on Furman. They’re a solid team, and we know they have a strong offensive strategy. We’ll focus on executing our game plan, maintaining our defensive intensity, and staying composed. Playing in the T-Mobile Arena will be a great experience, and we’re looking to make a statement.
*Interviewer:* You’ve mentioned the home court advantage under Coach Victor. Can you talk about the atmosphere of playing at home and how it fuels the team?
*John Christofilis:* Playing at home is an incredible experience! Our fans really bring the energy, and it lifts us during tough moments in games. Coach Victor has built a culture of winning at home, and we strive to protect our house. The support we get makes a huge difference.
*Interviewer:* With Seattle U bringing in international talents alongside local players, how does that diversity impact the locker room and team chemistry?
*John Christofilis:* It adds a rich layer to our team! Having players from different backgrounds allows us to learn from each other both on and off the court. It creates a vibrant team culture where everyone feels included, and that diversity strengthens our bond as we face challenges together.
*Interviewer:* As the season progresses, what’s your personal goal for the team moving forward?
*John Christofilis:* My goal is to help the team continue improving and to set us up for a strong finish. I want to be a leader out there, contribute to every game, and make sure we build momentum heading into conference play. We aim to compete for another postseason title and continue the success we’ve had.
*Interviewer:* Thank you for your insights, John! Best of luck against Furman and the rest of the season.
*John Christofilis:* Thank you! We appreciate the support and can’t wait to show what we’re capable of!
