Game Date: Oct 7th, 2049

Northwestern State

Team: Northwestern State Demons [ID #346]

Location: Natchitoches, LA (South)

Conference: VI.13 [Division 3]

President: ndray01
          [since August 16th 2020 | last seen January 11th 2026]

Coach: Danny Hunter

Arena: Prather Coliseum

Rating: 36.36 - Overall Position: #769

Fan Mood: 70.81

Alumni Mood: -52.95

Prestige: 6

Team Notes:

• Oct 07 2049: Troy Hillman was hired as the new assistant coach.
• Oct 07 2049: Assistant coach Pat Murray was let go.
• Oct 07 2049: Oliver Ghidini was hired as the new assistant coach.
• Oct 07 2049: Assistant coach Joe Holt was let go.
• Sep 02 2049: Stu Cyr was hired as the new assistant coach.
• Sep 02 2049: Assistant coach Bill Bain was let go.
• Nov 26 2048: Danny Hunter was appointed as the new head coach.
• Nov 26 2048: Daniel Grove was fired as head coach.
• Nov 26 2048: Hired ndray01 as president.
• Mar 21 2048: 1-star prospect Quentin Seaman committed.

Record:

Wins: 0 Losses: 0 Pct: .000     Conf Wins: 0 Conf Losses: 0 Conf Pct: .000     Last10: 0-0 Streak: -

Pts Ave: 0.0 - 0.0     Pts Diff: 0.0     Team Power Index: 115.3

Press Releases:

Nov 28 2048: Q&A With Newly Hired Head Coach Danny Hunter - by ndray01 on December 2nd, 2025

Following his introduction as the new head coach of the Northwestern State Demons, Coach Danny Hunter sat down with the Athletics Newsletter to discuss his vision, his coaching philosophy, and what Demon faithful can expect as the program enters a brand-new era.

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Q: Coach Hunter, welcome back to working alongside President ndray01. How does it feel to reunite with a familiar face?

Hunter: It feels natural, honestly. We worked together for two years earlier in our careers, and we developed a strong sense of trust and alignment. We see the game—and program building—in very similar ways. When I learned Northwestern State was looking for a new head coach, and that he was leading the charge, I knew it could be the right fit.

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Q: This program has struggled historically in Hardwood. What convinced you this was the right challenge?

Hunter: Programs with tough histories don’t scare me. In fact, they motivate me. Northwestern State has passionate fans, a committed administration, and a hunger to improve. That combination is powerful. I’m here because I believe this place can win—and I want to be part of the story that proves it.

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Q: What are the first steps you’re taking as head coach?

Hunter: Foundation comes first. We’re establishing clear standards for effort, discipline, and communication. We’re building a staff that shares the same values. And we’re recruiting with purpose—players who are smart, competitive, and focused both on the court and in the classroom. The program’s culture is the ground floor. Once that’s strong, everything else follows.

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Q: You have a reputation for being well-rounded: offense, defense, teaching, and recruiting. How would you describe your coaching style?

Hunter: I’m a teacher first. If players understand why we do things, they can execute confidently. Offensively, I emphasize spacing, decision-making, and ball movement. Defensively, we want to be organized, disciplined, and tough. And as a recruiter, I focus on relationships—finding the right fit for our system and our standards.

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Q: There’s been talk about higher academic expectations for recruits. How important is the classroom to your program?

Hunter: Extremely important. We want players who can thrive here, not just survive here. Basketball is one part of their college experience. The habits they build academically carry them far beyond their playing days. High GPA standards reflect the type of student-athletes we’re targeting—smart players make smart teams.

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Q: Rumors are circulating about a possible height requirement in recruiting. Anything to share on that?

Hunter: (laughs) I’ve heard the rumors. Let’s just say height is always a factor in basketball, but it’s never the only factor. We’re looking for players who fit our system, compete hard, and elevate the program. If someone checks those boxes, we’ll take a look regardless of what the rumor mill is saying.

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Q: Finally, what message do you have for Demon fans as you begin this new chapter?

Hunter: Believe in the process. We’re building something that will take time, but it will be worth it. Bring energy to the games, support these players, and help us create an environment that makes Northwestern State a tough place to play. I’m excited, our staff is excited, and we can’t wait to get to work.


Nov 26 2048: Demons Announce Hiring of Head Coach Danny Hunter - by ndray01 on December 1st, 2025

NATCHITOCHES, La. — The Northwestern State Demons have taken another major step in their program overhaul with the hiring of Danny Hunter, a highly respected and well-rounded coach who arrives with a strong reputation and a proven connection to President ndray01.

Hunter, 44, brings 10 years of coaching experience to Natchitoches and is widely regarded as a rising figure within Hardwood coaching circles. Known for his balanced and detail-oriented approach to the game, Hunter has built his career on four core strengths:

• Strong offensive coaching ability
• Strong defensive coaching ability
• Exceptional teaching and player development skills
• Elite recruiting capability

This combination has made Hunter one of the more sought-after coaching minds for programs looking to rebuild from the ground up—exactly the mission he now undertakes at Northwestern State.

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A Familiar Face to the New Administration

The hire also reunites Hunter with President ndray01, with whom he worked closely for two years earlier in their careers. Sources within the athletics department say their shared philosophy, communication style, and long-standing trust made Hunter the leading candidate from the moment the search began.

Before his rise in the coaching ranks, Hunter spent time at North Florida, where he began laying the foundation of his coaching identity 10 years ago. Colleagues from that era describe him as “energetic,” “meticulous,” and “committed to the craft” during the early stages of his career.

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Building the Future of Demon Basketball

Hunter steps into a program determined to reverse years of hardship and underperformance. With the heightened recruiting standards and culture expectations set by the new administration, the Demons believe they have found the right leader to execute the vision and move the team toward long-term success.

Early reactions from players and staff have been overwhelmingly positive, citing Hunter’s clarity, organization, and ability to connect with athletes.

As Northwestern State continues to reshape its identity within Hardwood, the hiring of Danny Hunter stands as one of the most promising moves yet. The Demons now move forward with confidence—and perhaps for the first time in years, a renewed sense of excitement about what lies ahead.


Nov 26 2048: NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY — ATHLETICS NEWSLETTER November 2048 Edition - by ndray01 on December 1st, 2025

Demons Welcome New President ndray01 as Northwestern State Begins a New Chapter

NATCHITOCHES, La. — As the fall semester reaches its midpoint, the Northwestern State community is buzzing with renewed optimism following the hiring of the university’s new president, ndray01. The move signals the start of a determined effort to rebuild and reenergize a basketball program long considered one of the most challenged in Hardwood history.

For years, the Demons have struggled to find consistency on the court. The program’s résumé tells the story: one March Madness appearance and a lone conference championship back in 2013. Despite flashes of promise, the Demons have often found themselves fighting uphill battles in recruiting, development, and conference play.

But with fresh leadership comes fresh ambition.

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A Strategic Vision: Staff, Standards, and Smarter Recruiting

President ndray01’s first major initiative is a complete reworking of the basketball program’s foundation. A key priority: assembling a strong, forward-thinking coaching staff capable of establishing stability, discipline, and a winning culture.

Just as important is a shift in recruiting philosophy. Under the new administration, Northwestern State will pursue athletes who excel in:

• Basketball IQ
• Strong academic performance (higher GPA expectations)
• Leadership and character

This marks a deliberate move toward building a team that competes with intelligence, discipline, and long-term program commitment.

Adding to the chatter around campus is an unconfirmed rumor regarding a potential height requirement in future recruiting cycles. While the president’s office has neither verified nor dismissed the speculation, the idea has fueled plenty of discussion among students and Hardwood fans.

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Signs of a New Era

With decisive leadership, elevated standards, and a renewed emphasis on academic and athletic excellence, the early days of the ndray01 administration have sparked excitement across the university. Though rebuilding a historically struggling program is no quick task, many believe the foundation for a long-awaited turnaround is finally being laid.

As the Demons prepare for the season ahead, one thing is clear: Northwestern State is ready to redefine its identity—and Hardwood is paying attention.