Tarleton State Basketball: A Century of Winning & D1 Growth
Few collegiate athletic programs boast a history as rich and transformative as Tarleton State Basketball. From its humble beginnings as a junior college team in the early 1900s to its current status as a formidable NCAA Division I competitor, the Tarleton State Texans have built a legacy defined by relentless winning, remarkable individual achievements, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. This journey, spanning over a century, has seen the Texans evolve through multiple athletic associations, culminating in their current home in the highly competitive Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
The story of Tarleton State basketball isn't just about statistics and championships; it's about the relentless pursuit of greatness, the development of legendary coaches, and the creation of unforgettable moments that have captivated fans in Stephenville, Texas, and beyond. Join us as we explore the remarkable trajectory of this program, from its foundational years to its ambitious future in Division I.
From Humble Beginnings to Dominant Streaks: The Early Years
The roots of Tarleton State Basketball stretch back to the nascent days of collegiate sports, originating at John Tarleton Agricultural College. Even as a junior college, the program quickly established a winning tradition, capturing an impressive five state championships between 1917 and 1929. These early triumphs laid the groundwork for a culture of success that would define the institution for decades to come.
However, it was under the legendary coach W.J. Wisdom, from 1934 to 1938, that Tarleton basketball truly etched its name into the annals of national sports history. Coach Wisdom led his team to an astonishing 86-game winning streak, a national record that stood as a testament to unparalleled dominance. For four consecutive seasons, his teams were undefeated, contributing to a staggering 157-12 record over a decade. This era wasn't just about winning games; it was about defining an identity of excellence and setting an incredibly high bar for future generations of Texans.
The Rise of the Texans: NAIA and Division II Powerhouse
The mid-20th century marked a significant evolution for the institution. In 1961, John Tarleton Agricultural College transitioned to a four-year university, officially adopting the "Texans" nickname for its athletic teams. This pivotal moment set the stage for further growth and competition. In the 1980s, Tarleton State Basketball joined the NAIA, quickly proving its mettle on a broader national stage. The team made its first national tournament appearance in the 1991-92 season and went on to claim the Southwest Region title in 1993-94.
The NAIA era also produced some of the program's earliest standout talents. Jeffrey McFadden, earning MVP honors in 1989-90, became the team's first All-American, paving the way for future stars like Sean Walker, an All-American in 1993-94. These players helped build momentum for the next significant leap.
In 1994-95, Tarleton State transitioned to NCAA Division II, joining the highly competitive Lone Star Conference (LSC). This move initiated what many consider the golden age of Tarleton State Basketball. Under the masterful guidance of long-time coach Lonn Reisman, who led the program from 1988 to 2018, the Texans transformed into a perennial postseason powerhouse. Reisman's tenure was marked by an incredible run of success, including 14 NCAA tournament qualifications in just 17 years. The Texans made four Elite Eight appearances (2005, 2006, 2015, 2016) and captured a conference-record four South Central Regional titles, a testament to their consistent dominance in the region.
During this era, Tarleton State secured multiple LSC regular-season and tournament championships, with memorable seasons like 2002-03 (29-4 record) and 2014-15 (31 wins, reaching the Final Four). Players like Chris Givens, who became the program's all-time leading scorer with 2,104 points, solidified the Texans' place among Division II's elite. The success during this period wasn't just about talent; it was about Reisman's ability to foster a winning culture, emphasizing disciplined defense and strategic execution. For a deeper dive into this incredible period and the strategic decisions that led to their D1 leap, read our article: Tarleton State Basketball: From DII Powerhouse to WAC Contender.
Even in the final years of DII competition, the Texans continued to shine. Senior Josh Hawley, for instance, was a dominant force in 2019-20, earning Lone Star Conference co-preseason Player of the Year honors and being named a Street & Smith preseason All-American. He concluded his Tarleton career as a top-four all-time scorer and third all-time in rebounds, steals, and blocks, embodying the high level of talent the program consistently attracted and developed.
Stepping Up to Division I: The Billy Gillispie Era and WAC Challenge
The year 2020 marked another monumental chapter for Tarleton State Basketball: the official transition to NCAA Division I and membership in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Guiding the program through this challenging reclassification was first-year head coach Billy Gillispie, a seasoned coach with previous D1 experience. The move, with full Division I reclassification completed in July 2024, signaled Tarleton's ambitious vision for its athletic future.
The shift to Division I is a significant undertaking, requiring adjustments in recruiting, scheduling, and overall competitive strategy. Despite the inherent difficulties, the Texans have shown impressive resilience. Through the 2024-25 season, Tarleton State posted a commendable 79-76 overall record, demonstrating their ability to compete effectively in a tougher league. While conference titles are still on the horizon, the team has consistently proven to be a tough out for any WAC opponent.
Under Coach Gillispie, who is now entering his sixth season (2025-26) and has been instrumental in the rebuilding efforts, the Texans have continued to develop impactful players. A significant milestone was achieved on March 8, 2025, when Freddy Hicks became the first player for Tarleton State to score 1,000 points in the Division I era, a testament to the talent emerging in this new chapter. The 2025-26 season began with the team holding a 3-3 record as of November 17, 2025, as they continue to navigate the demanding WAC schedule and build towards future conference success.
A New Home for Texans Hoops: The EECU Center
For decades, the venerable Wisdom Gym served as the spiritual home of Tarleton State Basketball. This historic arena, witnessing countless victories and unforgettable moments, hosted its final home game for the Texans on March 8, 2025, marking the end of an era.
However, the future is incredibly bright with the debut of the state-of-the-art EECU Center. This magnificent new facility, boasting a seating capacity of 8,000 for basketball, opened its doors for the 2025-26 season, marking a new chapter for the program. The first basketball game in the EECU Center was an exhibition loss to TCU (54-88) on October 19, 2025, but it ushered in an exciting new era for Texans hoops.
The EECU Center represents a significant investment in the future of Tarleton State athletics. Its modern amenities, increased capacity, and enhanced fan experience are poised to elevate the program's profile, attract top-tier recruits, and create an even more electrifying atmosphere for home games. This move is not just about a new building; it's about signaling Tarleton State's commitment to competing at the highest level of collegiate basketball. To learn more about this impressive new venue and its potential impact, check out our detailed feature: Inside Tarleton State's New EECU Center: Future of Texans Hoops.
The journey of Tarleton State Basketball is a compelling narrative of perseverance, strategic growth, and athletic excellence. From its championship-winning junior college days and the national record-setting streaks under Coach Wisdom, through the dominant NAIA and NCAA Division II years under Coach Reisman, to its current ambitious charge into Division I under Coach Gillispie, the Texans have consistently demonstrated their commitment to winning. With a rich past, a competitive present in the WAC, and a spectacular new home in the EECU Center, the future for Tarleton State basketball looks incredibly promising as it continues to build on a century of winning and a steadfast commitment to D1 growth.