Utah State University recently orchestrated an impromptu yet highly successful open practice, offering devoted Aggie Nation a rare and intimate preview of the much-anticipated 2025-26 Utah State Basketball squad. This strategic move, publicized primarily through social media, proved to be a resounding success, fostering deeper connections between the team and its passionate fanbase, setting a positive tone for the upcoming season in the world of College Basketball.
A standout during the evening’s Basketball Scrimmage was senior guard MJ Collins Jr., whose smooth shooting and court awareness immediately impressed attendees. Coach Jerrod Calhoun lauded Collins’s performance, highlighting his potential as a significant scoring threat for the Aggies, emphasizing his shot creativity and decision-making. Calhoun’s early assessment suggests Collins, a transfer, is poised for a breakout year as a key focal point of the Aggie Hoops offense.
The second-year USU coach expressed considerable satisfaction with the team’s effort during the 67-minute session, noting a marked improvement over previous practices. The cohesion displayed by the five returnees, five transfers, and five freshmen indicated promising chemistry and competitive spirit, especially given the presence of over 200 enthusiastic Aggie fans.
In a departure from traditional marketing, Utah State simply extended an invitation via social media for this spontaneous event. The decision to host an evening practice, rather than the usual morning sessions, was specifically tailored to accommodate fans, demonstrating the program’s commitment to community engagement and accessibility, a hallmark of the Jerrod Calhoun era.
Despite the short notice and modest setup—initially only four rows of seats—the Wayne Estes Center quickly reached standing-room-only capacity, with additional chairs brought in to accommodate the swelling crowd. Following the scrimmage, players and staff invited fans onto the court for a group photograph, further cementing the bond and fulfilling autograph and selfie requests, creating an unforgettable experience for Aggie Nation.
Beyond Collins, other players showcased their evolving talents. Junior wing Tucker Anderson, now significantly stronger, demonstrated impressive dunks and an overall competitive nature, earning praise from Coach Calhoun. Freshman point guard Elijah Perryman also displayed increased comfort and effectiveness in his role, signaling a versatile guard lineup for Utah State Basketball this season.
Looking ahead, Coach Calhoun also announced “Night with the Pros” on September 10 at the Spectrum, a significant fundraising event for the men’s basketball program. This exclusive gathering will feature Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, along with former Aggie standouts and current NBA players Sam Merrill and Neemias Queta, promising a star-studded evening for USU Sports enthusiasts.
Calhoun underscored his philosophy of creating diverse access points and unique experiences for fans, especially as the Utah State brand expands nationally with its entry into the Pac-12. He highlighted the importance of building relationships and the program’s commitment to the NIL collective, reinforcing his vision for a vibrant and nationally recognized Aggie Hoops program.
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