Kennesaw State Owls

Are part of the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN), were established in 1963, and their home arena is the KSU Convocation Center, Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Kennesaw State Owls

The Kennesaw State Owls’ journey in NCAA basketball exemplifies a remarkable saga of resilience, growth, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Rising from humble beginnings to historic achievements, the team’s evolution in the collegiate basketball landscape is a story of overcoming odds and embracing challenges. The Owls’ unique attributes, culture, and history in NCAA basketball form a rich tapestry that reflects not just athletic prowess, but also the spirit of a community and an institution growing together.

Intriguing Facts About the Kennesaw State Owls

  • The Kennesaw State Owls, marked by their dramatic ascension in NCAA basketball, won the prestigious NCAA Division II National Championship in 2004, showcasing early signs of their potential and competitive spirit.
  • In a testament to their growth, they made a historic first appearance in the NCAA Division I Tournament in 2023, marking a new era of success and recognition on a larger stage.
  • The Owls began their transition to Division I status only in 2005, a strategic move that set the stage for future successes and challenges in the more competitive Division I landscape.
  • Illustrating a narrative of remarkable resilience, the team experienced a dramatic turnaround, going from a dismal 1-28 record to securing a spot in the coveted March Madness tournament within a span of three years, a feat that speaks volumes about their tenacity and determination.
  • The team’s home, the KSU Convocation Center, has evolved into a bastion of their newfound success, fostering an electrifying atmosphere that has become a cornerstone of the Owls’ home-court advantage.

Kennesaw State Owls Latest News

The Historical Tapestry of the Kennesaw State Owls

Kennesaw State’s basketball program embarked on its journey in the NAIA era, laying the foundational stones of what would become a storied basketball program. The transition through NCAA Division II saw the Owls achieve significant success, including clinching a national championship in 2004, a crowning achievement that underscored their potential. The move to Division I in 2005 heralded a new chapter, fraught with challenges yet ripe with opportunities. This period marked the team’s evolution, navigating the complexities of a more competitive arena and setting the stage for future triumphs.

The Golden Era 

The arrival of Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim in 2019 marked the beginning of what can be described as the golden era for the Owls. Abdur-Rahim, facing a challenging first season with a 1-28 record, did not waver in his vision for the team. His strategic approach, focusing on culture-building and on-court tactics, soon translated into remarkable success. The team’s historic first NCAA Division I Tournament appearance in 2023 was a testament to Abdur-Rahim’s leadership and the team’s hard work and perseverance. This era not only brought accolades but also shifted the narrative around the team, from underdogs to formidable contenders in NCAA basketball.

Legendary Figures in Kennesaw State History

Central to the Owls’ narrative are key figures who have left indelible marks on the program. Coach Tony Ingle, who led the team to their Division II Championship, instilled a winning mentality and set the bar for future successes. Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, the architect of the Owls’ Division I resurgence, has not only led the team to new competitive heights but also built a culture of excellence and resilience. These figures, among others, have played pivotal roles in shaping the Owls’ basketball program and its legacy.

A Game to Remember

The ASUN Tournament final in 2023 stands out as a defining moment in the Owls’ history. In this game, they clinched their first-ever NCAA Tournament berth in a nail-biting finish against Liberty. The game, characterized by intense moments and a dramatic finish, not only secured a historic achievement but also exemplified the team’s growth, tenacity, and the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.

Kennesaw State Owls 2024 Schedule

Regular Season

Week Date Opponent Result
Week 1 Date: Tue 07/11/2023 Opponent: Oakwood Ambassadors Result: W 93-46
Week 1 Date: Fri 10/11/2023 Opponent: Florida State Seminoles Result: L 67-94
Week 2 Date: Wed 15/11/2023 Opponent: Keiser University Seahawks Result: W 101-55
Week 2 Date: Sun 19/11/2023 Opponent: Georgia Southern Eagles Result: W 96-92
Week 3 Date: Mon 20/11/2023 Opponent: Northeastern Huskies Result: W 79-77
Week 3 Date: Tue 21/11/2023 Opponent: East Carolina Pirates Result: L 84-85
Week 3 Date: Sun 26/11/2023 Opponent: Florida International Panthers Result: L 84-91
Week 4 Date: Sat 02/12/2023 Opponent: Georgia St. Panthers Result: W 88-77
Week 5 Date: Tue 05/12/2023 Opponent: UNC Asheville Bulldogs Result: W 79-76
Week 5 Date: Sat 09/12/2023 Opponent: South Carolina Upstate Spartans Result: W 84-77
Week 6 Date: Sat 16/12/2023 Opponent: Presbyterian Blue Hose Result: W 94-84
Week 7 Date: Tue 19/12/2023 Opponent: Brescia Bearcats Result: W 91-59
Week 7 Date: Sat 23/12/2023 Opponent: UNC Asheville Bulldogs Result: L 70-79
Week 8 Date: Fri 29/12/2023 Opponent: Indiana Hoosiers Result: L 87-100
Week 9 Date: Sat 06/01/2024 Opponent: Queens University of Charlotte Royals Result: W 80-77
Week 10 Date: Wed 10/01/2024 Opponent: Stetson Hatters Result: W 88-70
Week 10 Date: Fri 12/01/2024 Opponent: Florida Gulf Coast Eagles Result: W 78-75
Week 11 Date: Thu 18/01/2024 Opponent: North Florida Ospreys Result: L 75-84
Week 11 Date: Sat 20/01/2024 Opponent: Jacksonville Dolphins Result: W 83-79
Week 12 Date: Wed 24/01/2024 Opponent: North Alabama Lions Result: L 84-90
Week 12 Date: Sat 27/01/2024 Opponent: Central Arkansas Bears Result: L 87-92
Week 13 Date: Thu 01/02/2024 Opponent: Bellarmine Knights Result: L 95-96
Week 13 Date: Sat 03/02/2024 Opponent: Eastern Kentucky Colonels Result: L 76-86
Week 14 Date: Thu 08/02/2024 Opponent: Austin Peay Governors Result: L 69-85
Week 14 Date: Sat 10/02/2024 Opponent: Lipscomb Bisons Result: L 95-101
Week 15 Date: Wed 14/02/2024 Opponent: Jacksonville Dolphins Result: W 66-61
Week 15 Date: Fri 16/02/2024 Opponent: North Florida Ospreys Result: L 81-82
Week 16 Date: Thu 22/02/2024 Opponent: Florida Gulf Coast Eagles Result: W 74-67
Week 16 Date: Sat 24/02/2024 Opponent: Stetson Hatters Result: L 72-84
Week 17 Date: Fri 01/03/2024 Opponent: Queens University of Charlotte Royals Result: L 82-91

Post Season

Week Date Opponent Result
Conf. Tournament Date: Mon 04/03/2024 Opponent: Jacksonville Dolphins Result: L 86-92

Home of Kennesaw State Owls: KSU Convocation Center

The KSU Convocation Center, the hallowed home of the Owls, has played a pivotal role in their journey. This arena has not only witnessed the highs and lows of the team but has also evolved into a fortress of support and enthusiasm. The electric atmosphere during games, fueled by passionate fans and a sense of community, has become an integral part of the Owls’ identity, providing them with an undeniable home-court advantage that has been instrumental in their recent successes.

Find the latest NCAA Football Picks for Free

References: