A new era has started on the right foot for the University of South Florida Bulls men’s basketball team. Head coach Bryan Hodgson debuted as head coach for the Bulls, defeating Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University 102-67 at the Yuengling Center. 

Junior guard Wes Ennis had an impactful performance in his first game as a Bull, dropping 22 points on 8-19 shots. The former D2 collegiate player is still adjusting to the atmosphere of the Yuengling Center. 

“The summer was a little tough, coach (Hodgson) can attest to that. Just continue to stay the course and having great teammates around me that love me, continue to push me,” Ennis said. 

USF had five players in double-digit points, but senior forward Izaiyah Nelson earned the “Blue Collar Worker of the Game” putting up 16 points and 10 boards to earn the hard hat for the night.  

“Like coach says, the little things. Not who scores the most points or who has the fanciest stuff on the offensive side. It’s all the little things on the defensive side like the deflections, steals, walling up, boxing out and doing all the little things that you might not see on paper,” Nelson said. 

As usual, the SoFlo Rodeo packed out the student section to support the Bulls all night long. Coach Hodgson was impressed with the turnout from the students.

“It’s huge. That student section looking up and seeing them up into the 300. I mean, that was phenomenal. It’s going to be a great year here in the YC if that’s the support that we’re getting,” Hodgson said. 

It is only the first game of the season, but Hodgson believes there’s a lot more work to be done to get better throughout the season. Defensively, he gave the team a C- although recording 23 fast-break points. 

The Bulls take on George Washington University at the 2025  Amica Insurance Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.