Tag: HBCU Basketball

Jackson State names Trey Johnson new head men’s basketball coach

Staff

Image via Jackson State Basketball Courtesy of Jackson State Athletics Jackson University Division of Athletics Vice President/Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson removed the interim tag fromTrey Johnson, formally announcing the former Tiger as the new head men’s basketball coach at his alma mater. “There are not many chances you get to have one of your own lead a program, and we have that with Trey Johnson,” Robinson said. “He brings a championship pedigree as a player here at Jackson State and has won at every level as a player and a coach. We…

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Reloading the Champs: Breaking Down Tennessee State’s 2026 Additions

Brandon King

After a breakthrough season that saw Tennessee State Tigers men’s basketball rise to the top of the OVC, the focus now shifts from climbing to staying there. Head coach Nolan Smith has taken an aggressive approach to the offseason, adding three intriguing pieces in JUCO standout Leyton Gibbs-McGovern, Iona transfer Deondrea Lindsey, and former Memphis forward Daniel Viera-Tuck. Each brings a different element—but together, they reveal a clear vision for the program moving forward. Perimeter Explosion: Gibbs-McGovern’s Athletic Scoring In Gibbs-McGovern, Tennessee State adds a player whose game is built…

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Reloading the Champs: Breaking Down Tennessee State’s 2026 Additions

Brandon King

After a breakthrough season that saw Tennessee State Tigers men’s basketball reach the top of the OVC, the challenge now shifts from climbing to staying there. Head coach Nolan Smith has wasted little time reshaping his roster for the 2026 campaign, bringing in two intriguing pieces in JUCO standout Leyton Gibbs-McGovern and Iona transfer Deondrea Lindsey. While both arrive via different paths, their skill sets point to a clear direction for the program moving forward. Adding Athletic Firepower on the Perimeter In Gibbs-McGovern, Tennessee State adds a player whose game…

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Tennessee State lands Iona transfer Deondrea Lindsey

Brandon King

Tennessee State Tigers men’s basketball continues to build its roster in pursuit of defending its OVC crown, adding Iona transfer Deondrea Lindsey as another key offseason piece for head coach Nolan Smith. A highly regarded prospect coming out of high school, Lindsey began his prep career at Knoxville Catholic (Knoxville, TN), where he quickly emerged as one of the top players in the state. During his sophomore season, he was ranked the No. 1 player in Tennessee and No. 74 nationally by 247Sports before transferring to Oak Hill Academy for…

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What Leyton Gibbs-McGovern Brings to Tennessee State

Brandon King

When Nolan Smith and Tennessee State Tigers men’s basketball secured a commitment from Leyton Gibbs-McGovern, they weren’t just adding depth—they were adding a skill set that fills a clear need. After two productive seasons at the junior college level, Gibbs-McGovern arrives in Nashville as a proven scorer with elite athletic tools, and those traits could translate sooner rather than later at the Division I level. Transition Offense Weapon One of Gibbs-McGovern’s most immediate impacts should come in the open floor. His elite athleticism and explosiveness make him a natural fit…

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Tennessee State Basketball Lands JUCO Guard Leyton Gibbs-McGovern for 2026 Season

Brandon King

Tennessee State Tigers men’s basketball has secured its first commitment of the 2026 offseason, adding JUCO standout Leyton Gibbs-McGovern as head coach Nolan Smith continues to build on the program’s recent momentum. The Indianapolis, Indiana native arrives in Nashville following a productive junior college career that saw him emerge as one of the more dynamic scorers at that level. Gibbs-McGovern began his collegiate journey at College of the Sequoias, where he made an immediate impact, appearing in 27 games and averaging 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per contest.…

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Scouting Report: What Bobby Marks Brings to the Transfer Portal

Brandon King

Virginia Union guard Bobby Marks enters the transfer portal as one of the more intriguing under-the-radar prospects after a breakout season that saw him earn CIAA Rookie of the Year honors. 📊  2025 Season Stats 🎯  Strengths Shot Creation Marks’ biggest asset is his ability to go get a bucket. He can create his own shot off the dribble and isn’t afraid of tough looks late in the clock. That alone gives him value at the next level. Scoring Instincts He plays with a natural scorer’s mentality—comfortable attacking, pulling up,…

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CIAA Rookie of the Year Bobby Marks Enters Transfer Portal

Brandon King

Image via Virginia Union Athletics The 2025 CIAA Men’s Basketball Rookie of the Year, Virginia Union guard Bobby Marks, has announced he is entering the transfer portal, per his social media. The sophomore standout made an immediate impact for the Panthers this past season, averaging 12.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. His play helped power Virginia Union to an impressive 25–6 overall record and a 13–3 mark in CIAA competition, along with a berth in the NCAA Division II Tournament. In addition to earning CIAA Rookie of…

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TSU Rewards Nolan Smith With Extension After NCAA Tournament Breakthrough

Brandon King

In just his first season at the helm, Nolan Smith has already etched his name into the modern history of Tennessee State Tigers basketball. Smith kicked the proverbial doors down in Nashville, leading the Tigers to a 23–10 overall record and a 15–5 mark in Ohio Valley Conference play. TSU captured both the regular season and conference tournament championships, earning its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1994—ending a three-decade drought in emphatic fashion. On the heels of that historic campaign, Tennessee State has rewarded Smith with a contract extension that…

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Demetria Frank named Bethune-Cookman women’s head basketball coach

Staff

Courtesy of BCU Athletics Bethune-Cookman University Vice President for Athletics Reggie Theus announced today the appointment of Demetria Frank as Head Women’s Basketball Coach. Frank becomes the eighth head coach in program history. “This is an exciting day for Bethune-Cookman Athletics,” Theus said. “We are thrilled to welcome back one of our most accomplished alumni to lead our women’s basketball program into a new era. Demetria Frank aligns with our mindset and goal of building a Championship Culture, bringing with her a true love for our program and our university.…

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