University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
More Than a Court: The Floor That Built Bulldog Dreams
07.28.2026 | Men's Basketball
When the lights came on inside Kimmel Arena this past season, fans saw a brand-new playing surface.
But before the opening tip of the 2026-27 season, a piece of the original court—the court that helped define one of the greatest eras in UNC Asheville men's basketball history—will find a new home with Bulldog supporters.
For a limited time, fans who renew or purchase season tickets by the August 1 priority deadline will receive an authentic commemorative piece of the original Kimmel Arena court, signed by men's basketball head coach Mike Morrell and women's basketball head coach Tynesha Lewis. It's more than a keepsake. It's a piece of Bulldog Basketball history.
For years, that floor served as the stage for unforgettable moments. It witnessed championships, buzzer-beaters, sold-out crowds, and memories that Bulldog fans will cherish for a lifetime. It became the home of one of the most successful stretches in program history, helping launch players whose basketball journeys continue across the globe.
Today, five former Bulldogs who once called that floor home are playing professionally.
Drew Pember became one of the most decorated players in school history during his three seasons in Asheville. A two-time Big South Player of the Year, two-time Big South Defensive Player of the Year, and two-time Lou Henson All-American, Pember rewrote the program record book while leading the Bulldogs to the 2023 Big South Championship, Big South Regular Season Championship, and national recognition. He is entering his second professional season with the Hsinchu Toplus Lioneers in Taiwan.
Toyaz Solomon recently completed a standout three-year career with Asheville. The sixth player in program history to be named Big South Preseason Player of the Year, Solomon also became just the third Bulldog to record 1,000 career points, 500 rebounds, 100 blocked shots, and 100 assists. He recently signed with Zastal Zielona Góra of the Polish Basketball League.
LJ Thorpe graduated in 2022 after helping establish the culture that paved the way for Asheville's 2023 Big South Championship team. A three-time Big South Honorable Mention selection, Thorpe finished his career ranked No. 20 in program history with 1,254 points. He will continue his professional career this season with BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque in France.
Tajion Jones, who played every minute and knocked down the go-ahead three-pointer in Asheville's 2023 Big South Championship victory, became one of the most dynamic scorers to ever wear the Blue and White. The program's all-time leading scorer helped lead Asheville to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in seven years and will play for Stal Ostrów Wielkopolski in Poland during the 2026-27 season.
Justin Wright, known for his versatility and leadership, joins Solomon among the latest Bulldogs to begin professional careers. Wright will play for KK Kolubara Lazarevac in Serbia.
These five Bulldogs represent only a small part of the legacy built on the original Kimmel Arena floor. Countless others celebrated championships, earned conference honors, continued their careers professionally, and created memories that will forever be part of Asheville Basketball history.
The original Kimmel Arena floor wasn't just home to one program. It served as the foundation for unforgettable moments in both men's and women's basketball, from championship pursuits to milestone victories and the countless hours of preparation that define Bulldog Basketball. Every player who stepped onto that hardwood added another chapter to its story.
They practiced on this floor.
They celebrated on this floor.
They overcame adversity on this floor.
They chased championships on this floor.
They turned dreams into reality on this floor.
Every sprint, every rebound, every game-winning shot, and every championship celebration left its mark. While a new court will usher in the next chapter of Bulldog Basketball, the memories created on the original Kimmel Arena floor will never fade.
Now, those memories can become part of yours.
By renewing or purchasing season tickets before the August 1 priority deadline, Bulldog fans won't just guarantee their seat for another exciting season—they'll own an authentic piece of the court that helped launch professional careers, celebrate championships, and inspire future generations of Bulldogs.
Because this wasn't simply a basketball court.
It was where championships were won.
Where lifelong memories were made.
Where Bulldog legends began.
And now, a piece of that history can become part of your story.
To renew or purchase season tickets today, click here.
