HBCU BASKETBALL NEW YEAR DOUBLEHEADER TIPS OFF ON HBCU GO

Heisman winner Charlie Ward and NBA All-Star Reggie Theus bring star power to the sidelines as Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman open the season with women’s and men’s matchups; HBCU GO debuts an expanded broadcast team for 2026 Season

Allen Media Group’s HBCU GO, the free-streaming digital platform and premier destination for HBCU sports and culture, officially tips off the 2026 basketball season on Saturday, Jan. 3 at 1 p.m. ET with a marquee Sunshine State rivalry as Florida A&M travels to Bethune-Cookman for a men’s and women’s doubleheader to open SWAC play for both programs.

The matchup is anchored by a headline coaching duel between Charlie Ward, former Heisman Trophy winner and NBA veteran in his first season leading Florida A&M, and Reggie Theus, NBA All-Star and head coach/athletic director of Bethune-Cookman, who looks to build on the Wildcats’ recent momentum. That star power only heightens the intensity of this in-state rivalry, which carries major stakes on both sides of the ball.

On the women’s side, the Lady Rattlers and Lady Wildcats split their series last season, setting the stage for another evenly matched battle, while the men’s matchup sees Bethune-Cookman defending home court after sweeping Florida A&M a year ago.

Coverage will be powered by HBCU GO’s deep and dynamic broadcast bench. Play-by-play announcer James Hadnot brings command of the game, energetic delivery, and deep knowledge of HBCU athletics; Hadnot is joined by Lawrencia Moten, a former Division I athlete with sharp on-court insight, and Tim Scarborough, whose experience and basketball IQ add strategic perspective.

New this season, Thai Floyd and Olivia Antilla join the roster, adding fresh energy and expanded versatility across in-game, sideline, and studio coverage—further elevating HBCU GO’s on-air presence for the 2026 season.

The HBCU GO Sports Crossover Show, hosted by Jasmine McKoy and Tolly Carr, premieres immediately following the women’s game. The weekly show offers the HBCU community an in-depth look at HBCU sports and culture, featuring player profiles, game highlights, exclusive interviews, and more.

Don’t miss this Sunshine State showdown as two storied rivals tip off HBCU college basketball opening weekend, live on HBCUGO.TV.

MATCHUP

Florida A&M Rattlers vs. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats

LOCATION

Moore Gymnasium
640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114

GAME TIMES (ET)

Women’s Game: 1:00 PM
Men’s Game: 3:30 PM

HBCU GO BROADCAST TEAM

Women's Game: James Hadnot (Play-by-play), Lawrencia Moten (Color Analyst), Tim Scarborough (Sideline Reporter)

Men's Game: James Hadnot (Play-by-play), , Tim Scarborough (Color Analyst), Lawrencia Moten (Sideline Reporter)

Published Jan 3, 2026

KYLE MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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