NBA champion Dennis Hopson to lead Florida Poly's first men's basketball team

Dennis Hopson’s appointment marks a historic milestone as Florida Polytechnic University launches its first men’s basketball program. The 1991 NBA champion and No. 3 overall pick in 1987 will build the team from the ground up at the Lakeland STEM school, aiming to reflect six core values—family, integrity, balance, respect, attitude, and leadership—while emphasizing life lessons beyond wins. Hopson recently led Lourdes University to a 97-41 record over five seasons, with three NAIA national tournament appearances and a 99% graduation rate. Recruiting is underway as the 14-player roster nears completion, and Florida Poly Athletics debuts this fall with eight sports, pursuing NAIA and Sun Conference membership.