Utah State’s Men’s Basketball Turning Over All Stones To Improve Program
Aug 9, 2025, 5:48 PM | Updated: Aug 11, 2025, 12:42 pm
Utah State men's basketball Chief of Staff Paul Molinari talks Aggie basketball on KSL Sports Zone. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
LOGAN, Utah – College basketball fans have a more difficult time connecting with programs, teams, and players than ever, as roster turnover brings in a barrage of new faces every season.
Aggie men’s basketball Chief of Staff Paul Molinari believes Utah State is ahead of the curve when it comes to fostering support and engagement from the community.
Molinari joined Hans and Scotty G. on KSL Sports Zone to talk about USU basketball on Friday, August 8.
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He pointed to a recent open practice when several hundred Aggie fans came out to the practice center to watch the group play for an hour.
“(It) shocked me, 300 people,” Molinari said of the welcome turnout. “The Aggies come out in full force for a one-hour practice in summer. It’s unbelievable.”
Seeing the support the team and school get from the Cache Valley community gives Molinari confidence that the program can stay competitive for years to come.
“That’s what amazes me about this place,” the New York state native said. “That’s why it’s magical. It truly is.”
Utah State invites former greats back for ‘Night with the Pros’ fundraiser
For the first time, the Utah State men’s basketball program is working to organize a Night with the Pros fundraising opportunity that will bring together several different eras of Utah State basketball for an evening to remember.
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➡️ https://t.co/15VEZueWO3 pic.twitter.com/VKyKZzBAAs
— USU Men's Hoops (@USUBasketball) July 31, 2025
“We’re not calling it an event, we’re calling it an experience,” Molinari said while describing the plans. “I think it’s a first-time experience to get everybody under one roof together.”
All proceeds will go back to the men’s basketball recruitment and retention fund.
When is Utah State’s ‘Night With The Pros’?
The event will be held on Saturday, September 10, at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum in Logan, Utah.
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𝙉𝙚𝙬𝙡𝙮-𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙪𝙣𝙙
Impact Utah State Men's Basketball today ➡️ https://t.co/gzjoT87i9s#AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/ShWhuIuLTs
— USU Men's Hoops (@USUBasketball) July 31, 2025
Who will be at ‘Night With The Pros’?
NBA champions and former Aggie superstars Neemias Queta and Sam Merrill headline the event alongside Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzula.
Former Aggie coaches Rod Tueller, Kohn Smith, and Stew Morrill are confirmed, while many current and former Aggies are expected to be in attendance.
How can fans get involved?
Contact Molinari directly at paul.molinari@usu.edu if you are interested in purchasing one of the remaining tables.
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Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here. Find Brian on X, Instagram, and BlueSky at @bpreece24.
