The recently-turned Division 1 program is at the top of the ASUN Conference standings
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β If you thought Queens University basketball was fun to see playing, you should watch them practice.
On a bitterly cold afternoon, head coach Grant Leonard and the Royals kept warm by keeping the energy high inside Levine Center.
The Royals (12-7, 5-1 ASUN) are in a four-way tie for first place, with a flair that appeases the crowds.
“I think we have a really fun style. Typically we are top 25% in the country in tempo, which means we play fast,” Leonard said. “It’s a very fan-friendly style of play and I think it leaves the fans wanting more.”
Because of its recent move to Division 1, Queens will not be eligible for this year’s NCAA Tournament or NIT.Β
Leonard says it takes a special type of player to come to Queens, knowing that everyone’s ultimate dream of March Madness is still one year away.
“High character,” Leonard said. “It’s not transactional. You’ve got to be wed to the process of getting better and growing as a team. When they do that they’ll be great.”
Queens tips off against the University of North Florida at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22. General admission tickets are $12 and can be found here.
Contact Nick Carboni at ncarboni@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
