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Georgia State Panthers

The Georgia State Panthers basketball team represents Georgia State University in NCAA Division I men's basketball.

Team History

The Georgia State Panthers men’s basketball team has represented Georgia State University in Atlanta since 1963. The Panthers have navigated periods of both success and rebuilding throughout their history. During their six decades of existence, they’ve made several conference changes and earned a reputation for occasional upsets and exciting, high-scoring play.

The program currently competes in the Sun Belt Conference, showcasing a competitive spirit that has brought them multiple conference titles and NCAA tournament appearances in recent times.

Foundation and Early Years

Georgia State’s basketball program began in 1963, playing as an independent team for its first few seasons. They quickly moved into the ranks of NCAA Division II, where they remained for nearly a decade. The team’s move to Division I occurred in the early 1970s, and they were founding members of the Trans America Athletic Conference (TAAC), now known as the Atlantic Sun Conference.

During these early years, the team experienced moderate success, primarily within their conference. While there were some winning seasons, the Panthers often struggled to maintain consistency against the more established basketball programs in other conferences.

Notable Early Achievements

Despite a slightly shaky start, the Panthers clinched a few key wins that stand as early milestones in their history. In 1968, they achieved their first 20-win season. A few years later, playing in the NCAA Division II Tournament, the Panthers reached the Elite Eight in 1974.

These achievements were important stepping stones for the Georgia State basketball program, establishing a foundation for future successes and demonstrating the team’s potential.

Periods of Change

The Georgia State Panthers have experienced several conference changes throughout their existence. Following their time in the TAAC, they briefly joined the Southern Conference before moving to the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in 2005. Their switch to the highly-competitive Sun Belt Conference took place in 2013.

Each conference move presented new challenges and rivalries for the Panthers. These changes required the program to adapt, evolve, and often rebuild to compete at a higher level within each new conference.

Championships and Achievements

The Georgia State Panthers have accumulated their fair share of titles and accomplishments. They hold three regular-season conference championships within the CAA and multiple Sun Belt regular-season and tournament championships. One of the defining highlights for the program came in 2015 when they won the Sun Belt Tournament and secured an NCAA Tournament berth. Led by coach Ron Hunter and his son, R.J. Hunter, they pulled off a stunning upset against the Baylor Bears in the first round.

Other notable postseason appearances for the Panthers include multiple NIT runs and conference tournament victories. They continue to build on their history and strive for further success at the highest level of college basketball.

Home Stadium Information

The Georgia State Panthers make their home in the GSU Convocation Center, located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. This multi-purpose arena has a capacity of 7,500 for basketball games, creating an energetic atmosphere for fans and players alike.

The GSU Convocation Center has undergone renovations and improvements over the years, offering comfortable seating, modern amenities, and a vibrant environment that reflects the spirit of Georgia State Athletics.

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