Tennessee State Basketball is making waves again. The Tigers, a mainstay in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), have been the center of attention in Nashville, both on the court and in local sports conversations. Their games bring a certain kind of energy that Nashville just can’t get enough of. So, let’s take a closer look at what’s been happening with Tennessee State Basketball lately: the season, the players, and some exciting developments that are pushing this team forward.
A Quick Snapshot: What’s New at Tennessee State?
When I first started following Tennessee State Basketball, the program seemed to be in one of those perpetual “rebuild” phases. You know the type: good but not great, capable but never quite reaching that next level. Flash forward to today, and the Tigers are looking legit again. Thanks to head coach Brian “Penny” Collins—who, by the way, gets major props for his energy and leadership—Tennessee State has shifted gears. They’re not just trying to be competitive; they’re aiming for the top of the OVC standings.
Preseason Hopes & Dreams
This season, Tennessee State came in with a mix of cautious optimism and high hopes. The roster has a blend of veteran players and exciting newcomers, and they were looking to change things up on offense—more guards, more three-pointers, more pace. Gone are the days of grinding it out in the post every single possession. This team has a new vibe, and so far, it’s been paying off.
Coach Collins worked hard in the offseason to get his players on the same page. A focus on creating a more balanced attack was key. But, let’s be real, the biggest question going into the season was whether they could stay healthy and build consistency. Early signs have been promising, though—really promising.
Key Wins & Challenges
The start of the season has brought a few thrilling moments that make it clear: Tennessee State isn’t here to just play in the OVC; they want to dominate. A solid win over Eastern Kentucky (shout-out to the Tigers for that clutch performance) has been a highlight so far. The game saw some of the team’s key players—like Jalen Brown and Cameron Young—step up big time and really show their leadership. There’s nothing like a signature win to get the team, and the fans, fired up.
But, just like every season, there have been some growing pains. Tough losses have popped up here and there, especially when the Tigers are facing bigger and more experienced squads. But don’t let that fool you. They’re in the mix, and there’s a definite buzz about this squad. The road ahead is tough, sure—but there’s a vibe around this team that feels different.
The Stars of the Show: Player Highlights
Okay, let’s talk about the players—the folks who really bring the action. Tennessee State’s roster is filled with players who have the skills, the grit, and the personality to make this team one to watch.
Jalen Brown: The Rising Star
Jalen Brown. This kid is a beast. A 6’3” guard with a natural scoring ability and the kind of court vision that makes you think twice about his basketball IQ. I was actually lucky enough to watch him go off for a career-high 32 points against Austin Peay. And let me tell you: it was pure fireworks.
Brown is one of those players that always seems to show up when the team needs him the most. He can shoot the deep ball, attack the rim, and even facilitate when the ball is in his hands. Plus, his defense is no joke either. Fast, quick hands—he’s like a dog on a bone when it comes to guarding opposing ball handlers.
Fast forward past three failed attempts to make a DIY basketball hoop in my backyard, and you’ll get where I’m going with this: Jalen Brown is a certified baller.
Cameron Young: The Veteran Leader
Cameron Young, senior forward. The dude’s been with the team for a few seasons now and is the backbone of this squad. If Tennessee State were a pizza (stay with me here), Cameron Young would be the solid, cheesy base that holds everything together. Standing 6’8″ and weighing in at 240 pounds, he’s a force in the paint. His rebounding? On point. His post moves? Dangerous.
But here’s the kicker: It’s not just his skill. Young’s leadership is what really separates him from the pack. He’s the kind of player who sets the tone when things get tough. I’ve seen him rally the squad during tense moments. I imagine the guys look up to him as more than just a teammate—they see him as a mentor.
In fact, in that nail-biting game against Southeast Missouri State, it was Young’s 18 points and 12 rebounds that kept the Tigers afloat in the second half. That double-double was no accident; it was a statement.
Tyreke Key: The Transfer With the Spark
Tyreke Key came to Tennessee State after transferring from Indiana State, and let’s just say the dude is fun to watch. Known for his killer instinct, Key adds an extra layer of scoring to Tennessee State’s offense. When he’s on the floor, you can feel the energy shift—he brings heat, and opposing teams know it. His ability to shoot the three and attack the rim makes him a nightmare for defenses.
I’ll be honest, watching him drop 24 points against Tennessee Tech felt like I was watching a highlight reel in real-time. A couple of key three-pointers in the final stretch had me on the edge of my seat, no joke.
He’s the type of player who doesn’t need much space to make something happen. And that’s the kind of player Tennessee State needs if they want to make noise in the OVC this year.
Freshman Phenoms: Bright Futures Ahead
Let’s not forget the fresh faces. Y’all, there are some freshmen on this roster that are already making noise. Take Zion Edwards and Malik Johnson, for example. Edwards, a 6’5” shooting guard, has shown promise with his sharpshooting and his defense. Meanwhile, Johnson, a 6’7” forward, is a presence down low, using his size to grab rebounds and block shots like nobody’s business.
Look, I know what you’re thinking: “Freshmen? Come on, they’re not gonna impact the season that much.” But let me tell you something—these guys are already stepping up and earning solid minutes. And with their development, Tennessee State could be a real force to reckon with in the next few years.
Coaching Staff: What’s the Secret Sauce?
It’s not just the players—let’s talk about the guy leading the ship, Brian “Penny” Collins. He’s been the head coach of Tennessee State since 2018, and if there’s one thing that stands out about him, it’s his ability to turn teams around. When he first came on board, the Tigers were in that “almost-but-not-quite” phase.
Now, under his leadership, there’s this palpable sense of direction. Collins is about fundamentals, no-nonsense work ethic, and a real focus on building basketball IQ. He’s not the type to let anyone slack off. I’ve heard players talk about how hard they work during practice. And honestly, I think that’s part of what makes this team different this season: their commitment to improving every single day.
The guy’s got a system in place, and it’s working. The Tigers are getting smarter on the court. They’re better prepared. And it’s all thanks to Collins’ leadership style.
Fans & Community: All About That Nashville Pride
Now, if you’ve ever been to a Tennessee State game, you know the crowd isn’t just full of spectators—they’re all invested. These fans know basketball. They’re loud. They’re rowdy. They’re passionate. And most importantly, they’re loyal. When you’re out there, you feel the energy in the air. It’s that kind of “you gotta be here to understand” feeling.
Tennessee State’s games have become more than just basketball—they’re community events. Whether it’s the local fans who have been following the team for decades or newcomers who are just catching the fever, the Gentry Center is always rocking. And when the Tigers win? Well, let’s just say Nashville has a way of celebrating.
The coaching staff and players seem to appreciate this bond. It’s not just about wins and losses; it’s about showing up for the city and making an impact. I’m sure Coach Collins can sense that energy and uses it to fire his team up. That connection to the community is what makes the Tigers’ games so special.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the OVC
Looking forward, Tennessee State Basketball is facing some challenges, but they’re in a good spot. Their schedule has some tough matchups ahead, especially against perennial OVC powerhouses like Murray State and Morehead State. But here’s the thing: The Tigers are ready for it.
They’ve already shown they can hang with some of the best in the conference, and with a mix of experience and young talent, they have the tools to make a deep run in the OVC tournament. It won’t be easy, but hey—what’s new?
