BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Florida A&M University basketball takes the stage in Birmingham as the Southwestern Athletic Conference opens the 2026-27 season with its annual Men's and Women's Basketball Media Days, set for Tuesday, October 6 (women) and Wednesday, October 7 (men) at the Embassy Suites Hotel. Both events begin at 11:00 a.m. EST.

The Rattlers will be well represented. Head coach Charlie Ward will bring Ralph Martino Jr. and Antonio Baker Jr. to the podium on the men's side, while head coach Bridgett Gordon will be joined by Tahnyjia Purifoy and Shaniyah McCarthy for the women's program.

Every SWAC head coach and two student-athletes from each team will address the media about the upcoming season, and the league will unveil the 2026-27 Men's and Women's Basketball Predicted Order of Finish at each event. Media will have the chance to conduct one-on-one interviews with coaches and student-athletes beginning at 11:00 a.m. EST.

Both days will be streamed live on SWAC TV, so Rattler Nation can follow along from anywhere at tv.swac.org.