FORT MYERS, Fla. – Sporting one of the tallest rosters in program history, including the program's first 7-foot player, Florida Gulf Coast University is set to make its debut at Alico Arena this Friday when the Eagles host New College of Florida.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. Fans attending the game can get 2026-27 schedule posters autographed by team members following the game. Dirty Bird members can take part in a pregame festivity presented by Fly 98.5. See all of this season's game promotions here.

Friday's game, presented by NCH, will be the first time Eagles guard BB Washington steps on the court since having open-heart surgery 14 months ago. Gates at Alico Arena open one hour prior to tipoff and fans can take advantage of a $5 happy hour deal from gates open to opening tipoff.

FGCU is coming off a heartbreaking 96-95 overtime loss at UCF on Monday night after Chase Konieczny's buzzer-beating layup forced the extra period and Bryson Lucas had a full-length Hail Mary clang off the rim. Lucas still had a memorable game with 25 points and 10 rebounds, marking just the second time in program history that a player has registered a double-double in their FGCU debut.

There is certainly a home-court advantage for the Green & Blue. The Eagles won their final six home games last year and have posted an all-time record of 276-107 (.721) and FGCU has an impressive 337-178 (.654) all-time record when playing in the Sunshine State.

That home domination feeling will be new to eight members of the squad this year, with four true freshmen and four transfers joining the program this year. Lucas is one incoming transfer that made an immediate impact, along with true freshman Turk Brown III, who tallied 9 points and 8 assists in 37-plus minutes in his collegiate debut.

FGCU's newly-developed and taller roster includes Justin Houser, the first 7-foot player in program history, who brings a different type of look to the team. More than just his height, Houser scored 20 points in his FGCU debut courtesy of a trio of 3-pointers at UCF, along with a 5-for-6 performance at the free throw line.
 
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