Lumpkin Returns to Lead Skyhawks
The former player-coach takes over as the team opens its season against the Raptors 905 at Gateway Center Arena.
By Sergio Ramirez ·
College Park Skyhawks head coach Sanjay Lumpkin begins his tenure with a squad built around two returning stars. The team opens its season on Friday, November 6, at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Texas.
Lumpkin played for the Skyhawks during their inaugural season in 2019. His appointment makes him the first former player to serve as head coach in the franchise's history. He described the role as a chance to relay his experience to the current roster.
“A great opportunity for me to be the head coach of the team,” Lumpkin said. He noted that his background in the G League allows him to understand the fluid nature of the circuit and support players through the developmental process.
The Skyhawks return RayJ Dennis and Kobe Johnson from last season's roster. Dennis led the team with 24.2 points, 10.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game. Johnson contributed 15.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
Both players cited team success as the primary metric for earning NBA call-ups. Dennis stated that historically, players who make the jump from the G League to the NBA come from winning teams. He argued that individual statistics will follow if the team plays well.
Johnson agreed, emphasizing the need to stay ready in a league where rosters change frequently. He described the upcoming season as a year to prove his value while helping the team win a large number of games.
The Skyhawks host the Raptors 905 for the season opener. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, November 6, at Gateway Center Arena. Peachtree Sports Network will broadcast all home games as the official partner of the team.
