TUSKEGEE, Ala. — Tuskegee men's basketball returns to Chappie James Center on Thursday evening for its 2025-26 regular season home opener, welcoming the Fort Valley State Wildcats at 7:30 p.m.
 
The Golden Tigers enter the matchup at 1-1 after splitting their games at the SIAC-GSC Challenge and showing significant improvement through the early portion of the season under head coach Benjy Taylor.
 
GAME INFORMATION
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2025
Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. CT
Location: Tuskegee, Ala. (Daniel "Chappie" James Center)
Watch Live: SIAC Network
Live Stats: SidearmSports (goldentigersports.com)
 
ABOUT TUSKEGEE (1-1, 0-0 SIAC)
Tuskegee arrives at home following a competitive weekend at AUM, which included a strong victory over the host Warhawks.
 
The Golden Tigers relied on their defensive pressure, interior toughness, and balanced scoring across the rotation to secure their first win of the season. Forward Kusamae Draper, one of the team's two Preseason All-SIAC First Team selections, has led the early surge with his scoring presence in the paint and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. He averages 21 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game.
 
Junior guard RJ Walker has also provided stability and shot making in the backcourt, giving the Golden Tigers another reliable scoring threat and floor manager. Transfer guard Khalil Genwright, the second Preseason First Team pick after arriving from LeMoyne-Owen, adds a dynamic playmaking element with the ability to score at all three levels. Both guards average 15 points per game.
 
Through the first weekend, Tuskegee has leaned on its length and athleticism defensively, creating turnovers, contesting shots, and showing signs of an improving offensive rhythm.
 
New rotations continue to form, and with more depth than last season, Taylor's squad has shown flashes of a balanced and versatile lineup capable of winning in multiple ways. The upcoming matchup provides an opportunity to continue establishing identity and momentum with the home crowd behind them.
 
ABOUT FORT VALLEY STATE (1-1, 0-1 SIAC)
Fort Valley State enters the contest at 1-1 after opening the season with a win over Rollins (76-74) and falling on the road at Central State (90-74).
 
The Wildcats feature one of the most productive backcourts in the SIAC so far. Danny Delgardo III is averaging 19.5 points per game while shooting 31.8 percent from three and carrying the offensive load as both a creator and scorer. Aidan Lambert has been a powerful complement, scoring 16 points per game and rebounding effectively on both ends, giving the Wildcats two consistent scoring options capable of taking over stretches.
 
Fort Valley State averages 75 points per game but has struggled on the glass, being outrebounded 91-60 across its first two contests. However, the Wildcats have been strong from the free-throw line and have shown disruptive potential defensively, averaging 8.5 steals and 5.5 blocks per game.
 
Thursday's game marks Tuskegee's provides an important early-season test for a roster featuring several impact returners and newcomers. With Draper's inside presence, Walker's steady leadership at guard, and the growing contributions of a deeper rotation, the Golden Tigers look to deliver a strong performance in front of the home crowd and secure their second win of the year.
 
Special Recognition
Before tip-off, Tuskegee University will honor Draper for surpassing 1,000 career points, a milestone he reached at the end of last season. The senior becomes the newest member in program history to join the 1,000-point club, and the recognition will take place on the court during pregame ceremonies.
 
How to Follow the Golden Tigers
For complete information on Tuskegee Golden Tigers Men's Basketball, visit GoldenTigerSports.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and  Facebook.