News Summary
The University of New Orleans basketball program proudly welcomes Jamal Gibson, a two-time HBCU Player of the Year, after he entered the transfer portal. This 27-year-old forward boasts a remarkable journey from tattoo artist to basketball star, achieving record-breaking stats at Southern University at New Orleans. With Master P now leading the basketball program, fans are eager to see how Gibson will contribute to reviving UNO’s competitive edge in the upcoming season.
UNO Welcomes Jamal Gibson: A Rising Star in the Transfer Portal
New Orleans, get ready to get excited! In a thrilling turn of events for the University of New Orleans (UNO) basketball program, the university has welcomed two-time HBCU Athletic Conference Player of the Year, Jamal Gibson. The 27-year-old forward has decided to take his talents to UNO after entering the transfer portal, and fans are buzzing with anticipation.
Meet Jamal Gibson: From Tattoos to Triumphs
Jamal Gibson has an inspirational story that resonates with many. Before dazzling on the basketball courts, he was earning a living as a tattoo artist! Imagine that! A high school dropout who transformed his life through the power of basketball.
Gibson’s journey is remarkable, considering he had no organized basketball experience until recently. But boy, did he make up for lost time. His debut season at Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) was nothing short of spectacular. He averaged an astonishing 21 points and 15.8 rebounds per game, leading the nation in total rebounds and setting multiple program records in what seemed like a whirlwind of success.
Records and Recognition
In his freshman year alone, Gibson set records for single-season points with an eye-popping 579, not to mention the total rebounds at 453 and the unbelievable 27 double-doubles. That’s right, double-doubles are a major achievement in basketball where a player hits double figures in two statistical categories.
Gibson didn’t slow down either! During the 2024-2025 season, he upped his game, averaging 22.4 points and maintaining his average of 15.8 rebounds. He also secured a remarkable 43rd consecutive double-double. Such high-level performance didn’t go unnoticed, as it earned him numerous accolades, reclaiming his Player of the Year honors for both offensive and defensive performances. Quite the resumé for a player who only started playing recently!
The Vision for UNO Basketball
With Master P, yes, the legendary rapper and businessman, taking the helm as President of Basketball Operations for UNO, the program is aiming for a major overhaul. Last season was a tough ride for the Privateers, as the team finished with a rock-bottom 4-27 record. Master P’s vision is to revive the basketball program and bring back its winning ways.
As part of this rejuvenation effort, significant roster changes are already in effect, with eight players entering the transfer portal. It seems that a new era is on the horizon for UNO, and Gibson could play a pivotal role in that transformation.
Looking Ahead
Fans of the Privateers should prepare for an exciting season ahead, especially with Jamal Gibson on board. Not only will he have two years of eligibility remaining, but his drive and talent could be just what UNO needs to turn things around.
Gibson’s story of perseverance, combined with Master P’s leadership, has ignited hope in UNO’s basketball community. This partnership could well usher in a new chapter, and who knows, perhaps we’ll see the Privateers back in the spotlight where they belong.
So, let’s rally behind our team and show our support for Jamal Gibson as he begins this new journey at UNO. After all, it’s stories like his that catch our hearts and remind us of the magic that can happen when hard work and talent collide.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- HBCU GameDay
- Wikipedia: Jamal Gibson
- NOLA
- Google Search: Jamal Gibson
- Athlon Sports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: HBCU
- Black Enterprise
- Google News: HBCU basketball
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
