WASHINGTON - Fans of American University men's basketball can get their first look, and a free look, at the 2023-24 Eagles as they hold an open scrimmage on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. Doors will open at 12:30 in Bender Arena for the Blue vs. White intrasquad game, and admission is free for all.

American is under the direction of first-year head coach Duane Simpkins, hired in April after eight years as an assistant coach at George Mason. Simpkins' roster of 18 student-athletes includes four returning starters including Preseason All-Patriot League forward Matt Rogers. The senior class of five includes Rogers and guards Lincoln Ball, Lorenzo Donadio, Chris Gleaton and Colin Smalls.

The Eagles had an up-and-down season in 2022-23. After an early, eight-game win streak that included wins over Georgetown and George Washington, they struggled late in the Patriot League regular season. The last few games brought excitement as American beat Bucknell in the PL first round and upset Navy in a PL quarterfinal before falling in double-overtime at Lafayette in the semifinals.

This year's team, picked to finish third in the PL Preseason Poll, had the advantage of spending nine days together in Italy for a foreign tour in August. The added summer practices and team bonding opportunities have brought the group closer together with each other and with the new coaching staff. 

The season will begin officially for American on November 6 at Villanova, with the home opener set for Monday, Nov. 13 against Siena. Fans looking for an opportunity to hear more about the team can register for the AU Basketball Tip-Off Dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at Maggiano's in Chevy Chase.