A Season to Remember on The Hill: Bulldogs Rise, Lady Bulldogs Dominate, and the Event Center Becomes the Heartbeat of the SWAC
- tonariusgooden
- Mar 6
- 5 min read
If there’s one word that describes the 2025–2026 basketball season at Alabama A&M University, it’s momentum. From a resurgent men’s program to a historic women’s run, and a game-day atmosphere that turned the AAMU Event Center into one of the most electric venues in the SWAC, this season proved that The Hill is alive and thriving in college basketball.
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A New Era Begins for the Bulldogs
In his first season at the helm, Head Coach Dante Jackson delivered something Bulldog fans had waited more than two decades to celebrate, a winning season.
The Bulldogs finished the regular season 17–14 overall and 10–8 in SWAC play, marking the program’s first winning campaign since the historic 2004–2005 season.
But beyond the numbers, this team brought something just as valuable, excitement. The Bulldogs were powered by a dynamic group of contributors who kept fans on the edge of their seats all year long, Kintavious Dozier, whose leadership and playmaking fueled the offense, Sammie Pissis, the sharpshooting Frenchmen who brought flair to the roster and Koron Davis, a relentless competitor who made big plays when they mattered most. Inside the paint and off the bench, the Bulldogs relied on the presence and consistency of PJ Eason and Bilal Abdur-Rahman. Together, this group built a team that was tough, balanced, and capable of beating anyone in the conference on a given night.
With the SWAC standings tightly packed this season, Alabama A&M landed at the No. 5 and seed heading into the SWAC Tournament in Atlanta, and will play the No. 4 seed Texas Southern on Thursday, March 12 at 2pm EST.
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Lady Bulldogs Make Division I History
While the men’s team restored pride to the program, the Lady Bulldogs delivered a season that will go down in Alabama A&M history.
Under second-year Head Coach Dawn Thornton, the Lady Bulldogs did more than win games, they established records.
The team finished the regular season with:
• A 17-game winning streak
• The SWAC Regular Season Championship
• The No. 1 seed in the SWAC Tournament
• Back-to-back 20-win seasons
Each of those achievements marks a first in the program’s Division I era.
The Lady Bulldogs have not tasted defeat since January 1st at Mississippi Valley State, a hard-fought overtime loss. At home, the only blemish on their record came against No. 24 Ole Miss of the SEC, one of the nation’s top teams.
This veteran-led squad has been the definition of complete basketball. Leading the way is Kalia Walker, averaging 14 points per game and the No. 1 free throw shooter in the SWAC, offensive pressure from Moses Davenport, Jada Belton and Coriah Beck and the true freshmen, Vanessa Wimberly, the team’s lockdown defensive specialist.
But what may truly separate this team from the rest of the conference is its depth. The Lady Bulldogs boast the best bench in the SWAC. Whether they’re stepping on the court and making an immediate impact or bringing unmatched energy from the sidelines, the bench has become one of the team’s greatest strengths.
The mission is clear. The Lady Bulldogs head to Atlanta looking to extend their winning streak and bring home the first SWAC Tournament Championship in program history. The Lady Bulldogs will play Wednesday March 11 at 11am EST. The opponent has yet to be determined, but it could be Texas Southern, Bethune-Cookman or Florida A&M. For now, they wait.
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Bulldog Nation Showed Up
The energy inside the AAMU Event Center this season was undeniable.
Bulldog Nation consistently packed the building, finishing No. 2 in conference attendance and creating one of the toughest home environments in the SWAC.
During the 2025–2026 season, Alabama A&M welcomed 69,655 fans through the Event Center doors for basketball.
• Women’s attendance: 29,816
• Men’s attendance: 39,839
• Total attendance: 69,655
The energy inside the building translated directly to success on the court. Combined, the men’s and women’s programs posted an impressive 25–6 home record, turning the AAMU Event Center into one of the most difficult places to play in the conference.
Fans stayed loud, engaged, and present, whether it was the women tipping off early or the men playing late into the evening.
But great atmospheres don’t happen by accident. They are created by a team of game-day professionals who bring the building to life.
• Dray “The Voice” set the tone as the best in-game emcee in the SWAC
• DJ Zach Alan and DJ Keno kept the energy high on the wheels of steel
• Branden Gaddis, the Event Center’s PA announcer, delivered every call with clarity and excitement
Leading the fan experience behind the scenes was Kristol Williams, whose fan engagement team turned every home game into an event. Through theme nights, giveaways, and nonstop entertainment, the group ensured the energy never dipped.
Simply put, Alabama A&M has one of the best fan engagement operations in the country.
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Setting the Standard on SWAC TV
Even for those who couldn’t make it to Huntsville, Alabama A&M ensured the experience remained first class.
Bulldog basketball featured the best television production in the SWAC.
The broadcasts were anchored by the dynamic duo of Mo Carter and Hall of Fame Coach L. Vann Pettaway
Their chemistry, insight, and professionalism delivered clear, fair, and engaging coverage every game. The production quality itself stood out across the conference. The picture was sharp, the sound crisp, and the storytelling unmatched.
Alabama A&M also broke new ground by producing the only pregame show on SWAC TV. The show was hosted by Alabama A&M Athletics Director and Vice President Dr. Paul A. Bryant alongside Chauncey Sanders. It was another example of Alabama A&M raising the standard for SWAC athletics coverage.
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Leadership Behind the Success
None of this success happens without leadership. The growth of Alabama A&M basketball this season reflects the vision and direction of Dr. Paul A. Bryant, Vice President and Director of Athletics, and his dedicated staff. Their work has elevated the Event Center experience, the SWAC TV product, and the competitive direction of Bulldog athletics.
That vision operates within the broader leadership of Alabama A&M University President, Dr. Daniel K. Wims, whose support continues to strengthen the university’s commitment to excellence in athletics and student life.
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The Next Chapter
As both teams now head to Atlanta for the SWAC Tournament, one thing is certain, Alabama A&M basketball has momentum. The Bulldogs have returned to winning, the Lady Bulldogs are chasing history, and Bulldog Nation is right behind them.
The Hill is rising again and the rest of the SWAC can hear and see it. 🐾
With Bulldog love,
T. Gooden
Man, you hit the nail on head without missing. Athletics at Alabama A&M is truly on the rise under Dr. Bryant and Dr. Wims. Both men’s and women’s team have done an exceptional job leading these programs and it’s only up from here.