A new chapter of Richmond basketball is underway at Virginia Union University, where former Panther standout A.J. English is preparing for his first season as head coach.
The Panthers received an early competitive test Saturday, October 10, falling 79–61 to Hampton University in a preseason exhibition at Hampton's Convocation Center.
Although the result does not count toward regular-season standings, the matchup provided an opportunity to evaluate Virginia Union's roster ahead of another CIAA campaign.
## Panthers Show Early Promise Before Hampton Pulls Away
Virginia Union started competitively against its Division I opponent, holding a 12–10 lead midway through the first half.
With Hampton leading 21–19, the Pirates produced a 16–0 scoring run, fueled by four consecutive three-pointers. Hampton entered halftime ahead 37–20 and maintained its advantage throughout the second half.
Hampton guard Aaron Davis III led all scorers with 24 points, making six three-pointers. Etienne Strothers contributed 15 points, while Jayme Mitchell Jr. added 12. Hampton made 12 three-pointers and shot 45.3 percent from the field.
The exhibition gave Virginia Union an early look at the challenges of defending perimeter shooting and maintaining offensive consistency against higher-division competition.
## A Familiar Face Leads a New Era
Virginia Union announced English's appointment April 17, welcoming the former Panther and professional basketball player back to lead the men's program. English replaces Jay Butler, who departed for Winston-Salem State.
The new coach inherits a program that finished 25–6 during the 2025–26 season and advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament.
According to Hampton's preseason scouting information, Virginia Union entered the new campaign with eight returning players and eight newcomers. That mix presents an immediate challenge: maintaining the program's competitive standards while developing chemistry under a new coaching staff.
## Virginia Union's Road to the Regular Season
The Panthers have another preseason opportunity scheduled for Saturday, October 17, when Prince George's Community College visits Barco-Stevens Hall for a 10:30 a.m. scrimmage.
Virginia Union's regular season is scheduled to begin November 9 at Catawba College. The Panthers will then participate in the West Virginia State Earl Lloyd Classic on November 13–14.
Their first scheduled home regular-season contest is November 19 against Bluefield State, followed by another home game against Winston-Salem State on November 21.
These early matchups will offer a clearer indication of how quickly Virginia Union's roster is developing under English.
## Freedom Classic Returns January 16
One of Central Virginia's HBCU basketball rivalries is already on the calendar.
Virginia Union will face Virginia State University on January 16, 2027, in the Freedom Classic at Virginia State's Multi-Purpose Center in Ettrick.
The Trojans enter the season under head coach Lonnie Blow Jr., beginning his 14th season leading the program. The rivals are scheduled to meet again February 19 at Virginia Union's Barco-Stevens Hall.
Last season, Virginia Union defeated Virginia State 65–37 in January's Freedom Classic, but the Trojans responded with a 73–59 victory in February's regular-season finale.
## Richmond's HBCU Basketball Tradition Continues
While VCU and Richmond attract significant attention at the Division I level, Virginia Union and Virginia State remain important parts of Central Virginia's basketball identity.
Their programs connect generations of athletes, alumni and supporters through competition and HBCU tradition. With English beginning his tenure at Virginia Union and Blow preparing Virginia State for another CIAA campaign, the 2026–27 season offers plenty for local basketball fans to follow.
Rich City Hoops will continue covering both programs as the road to the CIAA Tournament unfolds.
## Sources
- [Hampton Athletics](https://hamptonpirates.com/) - [Virginia Union Athletics](https://vuusports.com/) - [Virginia State Athletics](https://govsutrojans.com/)