REDDING, Calif. - It will have been 318 days since the Red Hawks last took the floor as they prepare for their season home opener, Tuesday, Jan, 12 against William Jessup University in the James M. Grant Center.

In an unpredictable season due to COVID-19, the Warriors have been able to play in nine games, five of which have been against NCAA I opponents. Tuesday will be the Warriors tenth game and the Red Hawks first. Some coaches might shy away from playing, but for head men's basketball coach Todd Franklin, he welcomes the opportunity.

"Obviously it's not ideal for any team without having played any games to be playing a team in their tenth game but if COVID-19 -19 has taught us anything it has taught us to appreciate every day and to be adaptable and flexible" stated Coach Franklin before a practice on Wednesday afternoon. "There is no perfect scenario for getting a late start but it is what it is and you cannot have your second game until after your first one."

Simpson did have pre-season games on the schedule before Christmas break but each of them was canceled due to COVID-19 related issues.

When asked what are the biggest differences between Jessup who has several games under their belt and us (Simpson) entering the first contest. Coach Franklin simply laughed and said, "Everything, but just to name a few, defensive rotations, pre-game jitters, substitution patterns, unforced turnovers,  game shape, need anymore?" 

Even with all those issues you could tell that Coach Franklin is excited to have his team hit the floor and was actually a little emotional. 

"Man I love these guys, it would have been very easy to quit but they have stuck it out and have overcome one adversity after another and even amidst all this COVID-19 craziness," Franklin said.

Coach Franklin also mentioned how special his players are, with  20 of his 24 players raising their GPAs in the fall semester. 

"While I am not a fan of everything that has gone on as it relates to COVID-19, I am a firm believer that these young men will come out on the other side of COVID-19 more focused and more appreciative of everything they earn for the rest of their lives," Franklin said.

Tip-off for Tuesday's season opener is slated for 6:00 p.m. Fan attendance will not be permitted due to Shasta County and Simpson University COVID-19 guidelines. Live streaming and stats can be followed online at simpsonredhawks.com.