College basketball social media personality visits Utah State
Last week, Utah State University Men’s Basketball received a visit from one of the largest college basketball content creators Ryan Hammer. As part of his tour of schools across Utah, Hammer spent two days in Logan learning about the team and watching the USU versus Wyoming game in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum.
With over 123,000 followers on Instagram, Hammer maintains one of the largest followings in the realm of college basketball on social media. He covers everything from team analysis, rankings, player analysis and visits to different schools to see them play in person.
Traveling from New Jersey, Hammer spent the week in Utah learning about the state’s love for college basketball. Before visiting USU, Hammer spent a few days in Provo visiting BYU and learning about their program.
Hammer fully funded the trip, but he worked with USU personnel to ensure he could come at a time when he could explore the team’s facilities and learn about the coaches.
“I made sure I aligned it with BYU and with Utah State together,” Hammer said. “It was the only week of the year that it could figure out being within a couple of days of a game with each other. So, I reached out to both athletic staff coaches that I know, and we lined it up and down here.”
While at USU, Hammer explored the Spectrum and other team facilities and met up with various players from the team, content that went toward his video about his trip to Logan.
“We got the camera here. We’ll film some clips of the game today,” Hammer said. “I did some filming with Mason Falslev and Karson Templin in the Spectrum yesterday. We’re putting together a little vlog-type video about our time here.”
When asked what drew him to USU, Hammer explained multiple factors, including the team’s success and the HURD, made him want to explore Logan.
“I’ve heard crazy things about Spectrum. Utah State team is a good team, so I figured this is a better time than ever to come,” Hammer said. “I’m always searching for teams across the country to visit. Groups like ESPN don’t come out here. I like my creative freedom to come out to places that deserve recognition and give it to them.”
During his visit, he also held a Q&A with students covering various topics regarding the NCAA, the future of college sports and other topics.
Following the Aggies’ blowout win over Wyoming on Jan. 28, at which he was in attendance, Hammer shared his thoughts about the atmosphere around the Spectrum.
“They’re so organized. They’re up by 40, and they’re still loud. They’re chanting for the other players to score on point. They’re so organized and intense. I love it. They packed it out for a game that they were always going to win by 40,” Hammer said. “One of the best, if not the best, mid-major student sections I’ve ever seen, I would say they lived up to the hype. The Spectrum is really cool, the school is cool and the town’s even better.”
The HURD and its leadership were happy to have Hammer come visit.
“You’re welcome in Logan anytime,” wrote USUSA Athletics & Campus Recreation Executive Director Ben Burdette on a post on X.
To see more about Hammer’s experience here at USU, visit his Instagram and YouTube, where he has posted videos about his visit to USU.