Every afternoon after lunch, the Lumen Christi gym transforms into a stage for one of the school’s most unique traditions: seminar hoops. What began as a casual way to burn off energy has grown into a structured league complete with captains, rosters, rivalries, and even a feeder system known as the G-League.

The League itself consists of two teams with official starters and captains, while the G-League provides the proving ground for players trying to earn their way up. Captains not only lead their squads but also make tough decisions—cutting players, managing rotations, and promoting standouts from the G-League.

This year’s leaders are Isaac Maki and Luke Knoll on one side, matched against Paul Sattler (PSat) and Gibson Shore on the other. For Maki, now in his third year, the league is about more than just winning.

“As one of the captains, it’s about making sure everyone is locked in but also having fun,” Maki said. “Seminar hoops is competitive, but it’s also about community.”

Looking back, Maki calls seminar hoops one of the highlights of his day. “The rivalries, the laughs, the memories—it’s just something you look forward to.”

Knoll, often compared to Luka Dončić for his crafty playmaking, balances his role as captain with keeping the team energized.

“People call me the Luka Dončić of seminar hoops,” Knoll said with a grin. “I’ll take it. But for me it’s more about keeping the team locked in and making the right plays.”

He and Maki share captain duties, including tough calls on player cuts and promotions. “We care more,” Knoll added. “For those guys it’s just semi hoops. For us, it means everything.”

Knoll’s best memory from seminar hoops is a step-back half-court three-pointer to win a game. And when asked who he’d recruit from the G-League, Knoll didn’t hesitate: “There are a few guys grinding down there who deserve their shot. That’s what keeps it exciting.”

On the other side of the rivalry, captains Paul Sattler and Gibson Shore bring their own swagger.

“We feel like we can do it all as a team,” Sattler said. “We feel confident to throw shots up when we need to.”

Motivating his squad against Maki and Knoll isn’t hard, either. “We just know that we will always come out on top,” he said. “We have great hustle players like Michael Palmer who give us energy.”

Sattler also sees how seminar hoops has grown. “It’s definitely more competitive each year. Each team wants that satisfaction of winning at the end of the day.”

As for who deserves more recognition? Sattler had a surprising answer. “Jack O’Shea, aka Rodman, gives us great entertainment despite how awful they are at playing the game of basketball,” he joked.

Asked to sum up his leadership style in one word, Sattler replied simply: “Leadership. Because I help my teammates when they don’t know what to do—like Rodman.”

The personalities of the league shine through with NBA-style comparisons that make the games feel bigger than life:

• Jack O’Shea channels Dennis Rodman, bringing relentless hustle and rebounding.

• Jack Fitzpatrick plays the role of Damian Lillard, with clutch shooting and confidence.

• Matt Dubois provides defense and vocal leadership, a true Draymond Green.

Combined with the rivalries, these roles create the feeling of a miniature NBA inside the LC gym.

Beyond the League, the G-League keeps players grinding for minutes and dreaming of a call-up. Breakout performances can catch a captain’s eye, making every afternoon an audition for stardom. That dynamic ensures the gym is buzzing from start to finish. Luke Knoll said he is more cutthroat and willing to cut people and move them to the G-League, while Isaac Maki has too big of a heart to make cuts.

Seminar hoops has grown into more than just a pickup game. It’s a culture, a tradition, and a community event that blends competitiveness with camaraderie. For players like Maki, Knoll, Sattler, and Shore, it’s about leadership, pride, and creating memories that last long after the final bell.

Or, as Maki put it:
“This is my third year, and it’s still one of the highlights of the day.”