The Exciting Non-Conference Preview: Alabama State Hornets
Are you ready for some thrilling basketball action? As we gear up for another exhilarating season, it's time to delve into the realm of college basketball once again—a topic that I could discuss 24/7! The countdown to the start of the new basketball season has begun, and I'm fully immersed in preparing for the SEC Conference Previews. This also means it’s the perfect moment to explore the non-conference matchups on the horizon.
The Complete Non-Conference Schedule:
- October 24th — vs. Kansas State (exhibition)
- November 3rd — at Howard Bison | Preview (https://www.sbnation.com/e/118019)
- November 7th — vs. Southeast Missouri | Preview (https://www.sbnation.com/e/119403)
- November 9th — vs. VMI | Preview (https://www.sbnation.com/e/119622)
- November 12th — vs. Minnesota | Preview (https://www.sbnation.com/e/119698)
- November 17th — vs. Prairie View A&M | Preview (https://www.sbnation.com/e/119811)
- November 20th — vs. South Dakota | Preview (https://www.rockmnation.com/e/120315)
- November 25th — vs. South Carolina State | Preview (https://www.rockmnation.com/e/120436)
- November 28th — vs. Cleveland State | Preview (https://www.rockmnation.com/e/120652)
- December 2nd — at Notre Dame | Preview (https://www.rockmnation.com/e/120786)
- December 7th — vs. Kansas (in Kansas City, MO) | Preview (https://www.rockmnation.com/e/121157)
- December 11th — vs. Alabama State | Preview
- December 14th — vs. Bethune-Cookman
- December 22nd — vs. Illinois (in St. Louis, MO)
These previews aim to spotlight the upcoming opponents without rehashing the debate surrounding Dennis Gates' success in scheduling. Instead, we will focus on what each of these teams brings to the table. Since the Kansas State game is merely an exhibition, we'll save that analysis for a brief discussion right before the game. For now, let’s dive into the matchups that really count.
Getting to Know the Alabama State Hornets
It's quite uncommon to see two buy games against the same team in consecutive seasons, yet here we find ourselves! Last December, Missouri faced off against Alabama State in a battle that provided plenty of excitement from the Hornets. Who would have predicted that it would turn into Alabama State's best performance since 2016? The Hornets not only reached the NCAA Tournament but also secured their first-round victory against the 16th-seeded Saint Francis in an unforgettable fashion (check out the highlight here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS08cn30tGc) .
Hailing from Montgomery, Alabama, Alabama State is a historically black college that has a rich basketball tradition dating back to 1934. The program spent approximately five decades competing in NCAA Division II within the SIAC before transitioning to Division I in 1982 by joining the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
From the 1982-1983 season onward, Alabama State clinched four regular season championships and five conference tournament titles, which led to five appearances in the NCAA tournament, including that pivotal win last year.
Head Coach | Tony Madlock | 4th Season (Record: 41-58)
Tony Madlock has had quite a fascinating career trajectory. A former player at Memphis alongside Penny Hardaway, he swiftly moved into coaching after hanging up his sneakers. Madlock's coaching journey began in 1997 as a longtime assistant at Arkansas State under Dickey Nutt. His subsequent stops included a role with Tony Barbee at UTEP and later Auburn, before joining Andy Kennedy's staff at Ole Miss. Interestingly, Madlock concluded the 2017-2018 season at Ole Miss when Kennedy parted ways with the team.
Following another coaching shift at Ole Miss, Madlock returned to Memphis under Hardaway’s leadership before seizing the head coach opportunity at South Carolina State in 2021. However, his time in Orangeburg was brief as the head coaching position at Alabama State opened shortly thereafter, and Madlock transitioned swiftly to that role.
Since taking the helm, Madlock has driven significant progress: after an initial rough season capped at just 8 wins, his following three years showed measurable improvement, highlighted by the landmark NCAA Tournament victory—the first in the program's history. This achievement has afforded him a measure of job security, allowing for the possibility of even more ambitious opportunities down the road.
Series History | Missouri Leads 2-0
In their matchup last year, Missouri found itself in a heated battle against Alabama State. For those interested in reliving that intense game, you can check out this Study Hall recap (https://www.rockmnation.com/study-hall/2025/1/1/24332673/study-hall-mizzou-82-alabama-state-65). The game provided some relief as it marked the end of Missouri's non-conference slate. While Missouri managed to seal the victory with a comfortable lead, the Hornets showcased their resilience, bringing the margin down to 17 points by the final buzzer.
The only other previous encounter between these two teams happened back in 1987 and was anything but close. It stands as the third-largest margin of victory for Missouri in their history, with a resounding score of 129-64. That game featured an impressive cast, including players like Derrick Chievous, Byron Irvin, Doug Smith, and Lee Coward, showcasing their talent with an unstoppable performance.
What’s in Store for This Year's Team?
Creating a consistent roster in college basketball has always been a challenge, and this task becomes even more daunting at lower-tier programs, particularly after an impressive season. For Alabama State, the departures of their top scoring duo from last year were significant blows: CJ Hines has moved to Temple, while Amarr Knox has transitioned to Eastern Kentucky. Additional exits included Micah Octave, Ubong Okon, and D’Ante Bass, with the third-leading scorer, TJ Madlock, also graduating.
On a brighter note, the team retains a couple of key rotational players: Micah Simpson, a 6'2" guard, and JaSteven Walker, a 6'10" forward. However, these two returning players make up just a fraction of the top seven performers from last season.
To bolster the roster, Coach Madlock turned to the transfer portal to recruit talent: Demarien Yates, a junior wing from Memphis, Asjon Anderson, a junior point guard from Queens College, and R’Chaun King, a former 3-star recruit out of Arkansas State. Although Madlock has assembled a respectable lineup, expectations remain modest. According to preseason rankings, the Hornets are positioned at 331 in EvanMiya.com and 317 in BartTorvik.com. These rankings suggest that a significant Missouri victory could be in the cards for their upcoming matchup.
What are your predictions for the Alabama State Hornets this season? Do you think they can rise to the challenge despite the departures? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
And here lies the enigma: How do you view the challenges facing lower-tier teams in their pursuit of success in college basketball? Let's hear your thoughts!
