CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte men's basketball team is officially three days away from their first game at the Division 1 level. The Royals are set to welcome the Marshall Thundering Herd to Curry Arena inside the Levine Center for a 7:00 p.m. tip off. Prior to the game, fans can participate in fan fest outside the arena from 5:30 to 6:30 which will include JJ's Red Hots, yard games, and many other activities for all ages. The first 100 fans in attendance will receive a free white rally towel.
 
"Our team is elated to show the region and country that we can compete at this level," emphasized Queens Head Coach Grant Leonard. "The spotlight on us going Division 1 and for this game versus Marshall has been great and energizing for our entire team. The Levine Center should be rocking and we are all expecting the largest crowd in school history on Monday night!"
 
The upcoming season will feature a unique schedule as the Royals are set to face opponents from eight different conferences, including the Big 10, Atlantic 10, and Sun Belt. The challenge comes after the Royals finished 30-4 last year while winning their fifth conference tournament title and making their 15^th NCAA Tournament appearance. In the last six seasons, the Royals have reached the 30-win mark four times.
 
"The schedule is daunting as we play 16 true road games and 18 games away from the Myers Park Community. Our guys will have to be laser focused to have success on the road in tough environments. With that being said, our guys are pumped for a new challenge and look forward to playing in some new arenas and cities."
 
Leading the way for the Royals this season is Kenny Dye. The Jacksonville, N.C. native returns for his senior season as he currently sits first in program history in career starts and minutes played. Dye was named an All-Conference and All-Region standout a year ago. The Royals bring back an experienced squad as AJ McKee, Quan McCluney, Jay'Den Turner, and Gavin Rains all return after starting 10 or more games last year. Queens returns 72-percent of their scoring offense from a season ago.
 
This offseason, Queens brought in five newcomers, including Chris Ashby, Logan Threatt, Cameron Liggins, Elijah Wyche, and Jordan Smith. Ashby, a transfer from Paris Junior College averaged 12.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting 42-percent from deep a season ago. Threatt and Wyche join the program looking to make an impact after winning state titles in high school.
 
The Royals enter the season after being picked to finish 13^th in the 2022-23 Preseason Coaches Poll and 14^th in the 2022-23 Media Poll.
 
"Everything is earned in our program. We have exactly zero league wins in the ASUN and we have to earn our place and we welcome that challenge."
 
Fans who are unable to attend the opener can still follow the action live on ESPN Plus or by following the live stats. Be sure to secure your tickets in advance by visiting the Queens Athletics website.
 
Be sure to follow the Royals men's basketball program on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date on all the latest news and updates surrounding the team. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on social media @QueensAthletics to follow all of the Royals sports in action.