Story perspectives

Queens University Basketball Debuts in NCAA with Confidence

3/21/2026

47 10

Summary

Story summary

Queens University basketball team in Charlotte, North Carolina, is making its NCAA tournament debut.
Coach Grant Leonard introduced Buddy, a German Shepherd statue, as the team’s mascot symbolizing the 'street dog' mentality.
The Royals finished third in the Atlantic Sun Conference and earned their tournament bid by winning the championship.
They face 2-seed Purdue, with players expressing confidence in their shooting and a goal to put Charlotte on the map.

1 of 1

Story summary

Queens University basketball team in Charlotte, North Carolina, is making its NCAA tournament debut.
Coach Grant Leonard introduced Buddy, a German Shepherd statue, as the team’s mascot symbolizing the 'street dog' mentality.
The Royals finished third in the Atlantic Sun Conference and earned their tournament bid by winning the championship.
They face 2-seed Purdue, with players expressing confidence in their shooting and a goal to put Charlotte on the map.