Queens University Basketball Punches First Ticket to March Madness: Meet the ASUN Champion “Street Dogs”

For the first time in program history, the Queens Royals men’s basketball team is heading to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.

The Royals secured their historic bid by winning the ASUN Conference tournament, marking a major milestone for the Charlotte-based program.

Queens enters the NCAA tournament with a 20–13 record, riding a three-game winning streak and bringing one of the most explosive offenses in their conference.

For a program making its first appearance on college basketball’s biggest stage, the Royals already have the ingredients that make March Madness unforgettable: a fast-paced offense, a deep roster, and a unique team identity.

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Queens Royals Basketball: A Dangerous March Madness Offense

The Royals play an aggressive offensive style that could make them a dangerous opponent in the NCAA tournament.

Queens averages:

84.8 points per game

33.7 rebounds per game

15.9 assists per game

Their offensive philosophy emphasizes perimeter shooting and spacing, hitting 10.2 three-pointers per game on 28.3 attempts.

In the modern era of college basketball, teams that can stretch the floor with three-point shooting are often capable of pulling off March Madness upsets.

Queens also features an impressive scoring balance, with six players averaging double figures in points per game, making the Royals difficult to defend.

Leading the team is Nasir Mann, who averages 13.6 points per game.

Nasir brings an additional storyline to the NCAA tournament — he is the younger brother of Tre Mann, giving Queens a connection to the NBA that basketball fans will quickly recognize.

Coach Grant Leonard and the “Street Dog” Culture

The Royals’ identity extends beyond their offensive firepower.

Head coach Grant Leonard has built the program around a mentality he calls being a “Street Dog.”

Leonard is known for his colorful sideline personality, often wearing funky and humorous sweaters during games, but his program philosophy centers on toughness, effort, and resilience.

The symbol of that culture is a plastic mascot dog known as Buddy the Street Dog.

After standout performances, players can earn the title of “Street Dog of the Game,” recognizing the teammate who embodies grit and leadership.

It’s a tradition that has become part of the Royals’ locker room culture and team identity.

Huge thank you to all of our local media members 🎥🎙️

Another great day to be a Royal 👑🏆#RoyalsRise | #QUeenCity | #CMA | #WinToday | #PTB pic.twitter.com/oCfUGqd2wf

— Queens (N.C.) Men’s Basketball (@queensMBB) March 9, 2026

Can Queens Become a March Madness Cinderella?

Cinderella stories have long defined March Madness.

Every year, lesser-known programs capture national attention with unexpected tournament runs.

Queens University fits the profile of a potential bracket-busting underdog.

They play fast.
>They shoot threes.
>They share the scoring load.

Those three traits alone have helped many underdog teams shock higher-seeded opponents in the NCAA tournament.

With their historic ASUN championship and momentum heading into the tournament, the Royals already have a story worth watching.

Now the question becomes:

Can the Street Dogs of Queens University turn their first NCAA tournament appearance into a Cinderella run?

Why Queens Could Bust NCAA Tournament Brackets

For college basketball fans filling out brackets, Queens represents the kind of team that can surprise higher seeds.

Their three-point shooting, balanced scoring attack, and high-tempo offense create the type of volatility that often defines March Madness upsets.

If the Royals catch fire from beyond the arc, the program making its first-ever NCAA tournament appearance could quickly become one of the most talked-about teams in the bracket.

And if that happens, the Street Dogs of Queens may turn their historic bid into something even bigger.