Promoters & Event Organizers

The first tip-off for Seton Hall’s men’s basketball team was in 1903, although with no coach and no arena, the team didn't play again for another five years. The "Pirate" became the team mascot in 1931, and in 1936, intrepid professional basketball player John "Honey" Russell took the head coach post and held it for two terms, totaling 18 years. Russell created a winning team that convinced Seton Hall to build its first sports arena, Walsh Gymnasium, which still serves as the home for Seton Hall's women's NCAA basketball team on the university’s campus. Russell's Pirates appeared in the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) seven times and won the NIT title in 1953.