(L-R): Joe Lunardi, Matt Maiocco, Josh Dent, Kevin Gad, Rory Hawke
Photo by: Saint Mary's Athletics / Tod Fierner
MBB | 2026 Tip-Off Dinner a Brings Excitement Ahead of 2026-27 Campaign
10/7/2026 1:04:00 PM | Men's Basketball
MORAGA, Calif. — One of the annual markers of the start of Saint Mary's men's basketball season, the Tip-Off Dinner, took place on Saturday, October 3, as over 200 Gaels supporters made their way to UCU Pavilion to celebrate their team, now under the direction of first year head coach and program great Mickey McConnell. In total, over $50,000 was raised in support of the men's basketball program in another extremely successful Tip-Off dinner. A massive thank you to all attendees and online auction participants for making the event a huge success.
"For many of us, the annual Tip Off Dinner represents the real start of the basketball season. It is always great to spend time with so many friends of the program, and we are thankful to everyone who attended." noted Saint Mary's Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development Daniel Wray. "This tradition is one of the many things which makes the program so successful, and we can't wait to have everyone with us cheering on the Gaels in UCU Pavilion this season."
Bay Area journalism legend Matt Maiocco returned to once again host the event, and, for the fourth consecutive year, was joined by ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi. After the introduction of the team and WCC Championship ring presentation to returning players and coaches from last year's squad. Maiocco and Lunardi shared a lively conversation about the early bracket projections, and the Gaels' path back to their potential sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament in 2027. Â
Following dinner, Maiocco and Lunardi welcomed a plethora of guests to the stage, beginning with Saint Mary's College President Roger Thompson and Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Matoso who gave updates on the success of not just the men's basketball program, but on the athletic department and college as a whole.Â
Then, veterans Joshua Dent, Rory Hawke and Kevin Gad took the stage to discuss the changes (and what has stayed the same) in the transition to Coach McConnell taking the reins. The trio shared about their group's growth as a team, especially during the time spent on their recent foreign tour to Australia. This was accompanied by a video recap of the Gaels' trip, showing their time both on the court and out and about exploring the "Land Down Under."
Finally, it was time for Head Coach Mickey McConnell to address the crowd. This was not McConnell's first time on stage at Tip-Off Dinner, having spoken to Gael supporters at this event as both a student-athlete and assistant coach. The highly anticipated conversation between Coach McConnell, Lunardi and Maiocco gave Gaels fans a level of comfort that the program is in the right hands, and that while the Gaels may have a few new wrinkles this season, the signature Saint Mary's toughness would continue to be the focal point of the program.Â
With Tip-Off Dinner now concluded, Gael fans can now turn their focus to October 17, when the Gaels will host Utah State at 7:00 p.m. in an exhibition clash between the reigning WCC Champ and the reigning Mountain West Champ (now in the Pac-12). Tickets are available for that contest, and all Gael home contests at smcgaels.com/tickets.Â
"For many of us, the annual Tip Off Dinner represents the real start of the basketball season. It is always great to spend time with so many friends of the program, and we are thankful to everyone who attended." noted Saint Mary's Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development Daniel Wray. "This tradition is one of the many things which makes the program so successful, and we can't wait to have everyone with us cheering on the Gaels in UCU Pavilion this season."
Bay Area journalism legend Matt Maiocco returned to once again host the event, and, for the fourth consecutive year, was joined by ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi. After the introduction of the team and WCC Championship ring presentation to returning players and coaches from last year's squad. Maiocco and Lunardi shared a lively conversation about the early bracket projections, and the Gaels' path back to their potential sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament in 2027. Â
Following dinner, Maiocco and Lunardi welcomed a plethora of guests to the stage, beginning with Saint Mary's College President Roger Thompson and Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Matoso who gave updates on the success of not just the men's basketball program, but on the athletic department and college as a whole.Â
Then, veterans Joshua Dent, Rory Hawke and Kevin Gad took the stage to discuss the changes (and what has stayed the same) in the transition to Coach McConnell taking the reins. The trio shared about their group's growth as a team, especially during the time spent on their recent foreign tour to Australia. This was accompanied by a video recap of the Gaels' trip, showing their time both on the court and out and about exploring the "Land Down Under."
Finally, it was time for Head Coach Mickey McConnell to address the crowd. This was not McConnell's first time on stage at Tip-Off Dinner, having spoken to Gael supporters at this event as both a student-athlete and assistant coach. The highly anticipated conversation between Coach McConnell, Lunardi and Maiocco gave Gaels fans a level of comfort that the program is in the right hands, and that while the Gaels may have a few new wrinkles this season, the signature Saint Mary's toughness would continue to be the focal point of the program.Â
With Tip-Off Dinner now concluded, Gael fans can now turn their focus to October 17, when the Gaels will host Utah State at 7:00 p.m. in an exhibition clash between the reigning WCC Champ and the reigning Mountain West Champ (now in the Pac-12). Tickets are available for that contest, and all Gael home contests at smcgaels.com/tickets.Â
Players Mentioned
Wednesday, March 25
Wednesday, March 25
Thursday, March 19
Wednesday, March 18
