Furman University welcomes SoCon men’s basketball champions ahead of NCAA Selection Sunday

Furman University fans gave a hero’s welcome to the men’s basketball team, as the Paladins returned Tuesday from winning the Southern Conference title and their second NCAA Tournament appearance in four years.

Fans cheer on the Furman Men’s Basketball Team as they return to campus after winning the SoCon Championship. Photo by Owen Withycombe, Furman University.

More than 50 fans gathered outside of Timmons Arena to welcome the team as they stepped off the bus from Asheville, North Carolina. Two of the Purple Diamonds dance team who had cheered the team on at Monday’s game were there on campus to greet the players.

“I remember when they went to the NCAA Tournament in 2023,” said Jada Wilson ’29. “The scores were so close last night, and when we started widening the lead the energy was just crazy.”

The energy of the fans was unmatched according to Don Lineback, retired vice president for development at Furman. He said he could feel the crowd’s excitement even watching at home. Showing up Tuesday to cheer the team on at Timmons felt important.

“We want them to know we support them in every way,” he said.

As heartwarming as the celebrations were, forward Cooper Bowser ’27 was most looking forward to catching up on lost sleep after some intense days. Bowser scored 21 points and 11 rebounds in the finals against East Tennessee State, and said it was a thrill to see so many familiar faces in the stands.

Selection Sunday and supporting the Paladins

Fans, supporters and alumni are invited to join the team to celebrate the SoCon championship and watch the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Selection Show at 6 p.m. Sunday in Timmons Arena.

Jada Wilson ’29, a member of the Purple Diamonds dance group, cheers on the Furman Men’s Basketball Team as they arrive back on campus as SoCon champions. Photo courtesy of Furman Athletics.

Admission is free and doors open at 5 p.m., with a brief program at 5:30 p.m. featuring remarks from players, coaches and administrators. The selection show will be live on CBS at 6 p.m. Fans will have the opportunity to take a picture with the SoCon championship trophy in the Hall of Honor. Concessions and championship merchandise will be available for purchase.

Watch parties are being planned around the area and NCAA Basketball Tournament games are being played in Greenville at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena next week.

In the meantime, fans are encouraged to enjoy the thrill of the Paladins’ SoCon championship win – that’s what forward Ben Vander Wal ’26 is doing. He was a first-year player that traveled with the team when they last made the NCAA Tournament in 2023.

“It’s so different this year, yet so similar. This is what dreams are made of,” he said.

There’s no denying this team will fight hard no matter where they end up next week, said Head Coach Bob Richey. He’s encouraging his players to cherish these moments; earning championship titles and making everyone’s March Madness bracket is a childhood dream for so many of them.

“This is going to be a team that will be in the history books forever,” he said.