Inside Tarleton State's New EECU Center: Future of Texans Hoops
A new chapter in the storied history of Tarleton State Basketball has officially begun, marked by the grand opening of the magnificent EECU Center. This state-of-the-art facility isn't just a new venue; it represents Tarleton State University's bold commitment to NCAA Division I athletics and a vibrant future for its beloved Texans. After years of building a formidable legacy across various collegiate levels, Tarleton State is now poised to make an even greater impact in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), with the EECU Center serving as the new heartbeat of its athletic ambitions.
A New Era for Tarleton State Basketball: The EECU Center's Grand Opening
The 2025-26 season ushers in an exhilarating new era for Tarleton State, as the Texans basketball program moves into its permanent Division I home: the EECU Center. With an impressive capacity of 8,000 for basketball, this facility is a significant upgrade from the cherished but aging Wisdom Gym, which hosted its final home game on March 8, 2025. That memorable night also saw guard Freddy Hicks etch his name into history as the first Tarleton player to score 1,000 points in the Division I era, a fitting farewell to the arena that witnessed so many pivotal moments.
The EECU Center officially debuted its basketball court with an exhibition game against Big 12 opponent TCU on October 19, 2025. While the Texans fell 88-54, the event provided a thrilling glimpse into the future. Fans experienced firsthand the modern amenities, spacious concourses, and electrifying atmosphere that the new arena promises. For Tarleton State Basketball, the EECU Center is more than just a place to play; it’s a powerful recruiting tool, a beacon of campus pride, and a statement of intent to compete at the highest levels of collegiate sports. The enhanced fan experience, from comfortable seating to cutting-edge video boards, is expected to draw larger crowds and cultivate an even more passionate home-court advantage, crucial for success in the demanding WAC.
From Humble Roots to Division I Ambition: A Rich History of Texans Hoops
To truly appreciate the significance of the EECU Center, one must understand the remarkable journey of Tarleton Texans Basketball: A Century of Winning & D1 Growth. Tracing its roots back to the early 1900s as a junior college team, the program has consistently demonstrated a winning ethos. At John Tarleton Agricultural College, the team secured multiple state championships in the 1910s and 1920s, laying an early foundation for excellence. The legendary coach W.J. Wisdom, for whom the old gym was named, guided the team to an astonishing 86-game winning streak from 1934 to 1938, remaining undefeated for four consecutive seasons and amassing a decade-long record of 157-12 – a testament to a deep-seated winning culture.
The program evolved into a four-year institution in 1961, adopting the iconic "Texans" nickname. During its NAIA era in the 1980s and early 90s, Tarleton made its first national tournament appearance in 1991-92 and clinched a Southwest Region title in 1993-94, showcasing talents like Jeffrey McFadden (first All-American) and Sean Walker. Chris Givens became the program's all-time leading scorer with 2,104 points, a record that still stands today.
The move to NCAA Division II in 1994-95 ushered in an unprecedented period of success under long-time coach Lonn Reisman (1988-2018). Tarleton became a perennial postseason powerhouse, qualifying for the NCAA tournament 14 times in 17 years, reaching four Elite Eights (2005, 2006, 2015, 2016), and claiming four South Central Regional titles. Numerous Lone Star Conference regular-season and tournament championships highlighted this dominant era, including a stellar 31-win season in 2014-15 that ended in a Final Four berth. Division II stars like Josh Hawley, who closed his career fourth all-time in scoring (1,578 points) and third in rebounds (968), steals (168), and blocks (138), exemplified the program's consistent ability to develop elite talent. This rich history provides a strong foundation and expectation of success as Tarleton tackles the challenges of Division I.
Navigating the WAC: Billy Gillispie's Vision for Division I
The transition to NCAA Division I, which officially completed Tarleton's reclassification in July 2024, brought new challenges and opportunities. Under the guidance of head coach Billy Gillispie, who took the helm in 2020, Tarleton State Basketball has been steadily building its presence in the Western Athletic Conference. Through the 2024-25 season, the Texans posted a respectable 79-76 overall record, navigating the steep learning curve of a more competitive league. While conference titles are yet to come, the team has shown resilience and a commitment to growth.
Gillispie, entering his sixth season in 2025-26 after a brief administrative leave and subsequent reinstatement, has focused on a deliberate rebuilding process tailored for Division I success. The early 2025-26 season stands at 3-3 as of November 17, 2025, reflecting the ongoing adjustments. The EECU Center is a critical component of Gillispie's strategy. Its modern facilities are invaluable for attracting top-tier recruits who aspire to play at the highest collegiate level. Coaches can now showcase state-of-the-art locker rooms, training facilities, and an electrifying game-day environment, all essential elements in convincing prospective student-athletes to choose Stephenville. The challenge now lies in translating the enhanced facilities into consistent on-court performance and climbing the WAC standings, building towards the program's first Division I conference championship.
The EECU Center's Impact: Beyond the Court
The EECU Center's significance extends far beyond the basketball court, making it a cornerstone for Tarleton State University and the entire Stephenville community. As a multi-purpose arena, it's designed to host a wide array of events, including university graduations, concerts, large-scale conferences, and other cultural gatherings. This versatility not only provides a dynamic venue for the university but also injects economic vitality into Stephenville, attracting visitors and generating revenue for local businesses.
For the student body, the EECU Center fosters a heightened sense of campus pride and provides a modern space for athletic and community engagement. From an athletic perspective, it offers athletes unparalleled facilities for training, rehabilitation, and academic support, reflecting the holistic development emphasis of modern collegiate sports programs. The sheer scale and sophistication of the EECU Center elevate Tarleton State's overall profile, positioning it as a competitive institution not just in athletics, but across its academic and community missions. This impressive new home solidifies Tarleton's place in Division I, showcasing a university that is investing in its future and dedicated to providing a top-tier experience for its students, athletes, and the broader community.
The opening of the EECU Center marks a thrilling new chapter for Tarleton State Basketball. Blending a century of winning tradition with cutting-edge facilities, the Texans are primed to make their mark in NCAA Division I. With Coach Gillispie at the helm and a dedicated fan base, the future for Texans hoops in Stephenville is brighter than ever, promising exciting matchups and continued growth within the challenging WAC landscape.