Tarleton State University's basketball program is gearing up for an exciting final season in the historic Wisdom Gym, as the men's squad prepares to take the court for their first exhibition game against UT-Tyler on Monday night. Fans are encouraged to show their support for the 2024-25 Texans, as the game will not be streamed, making it a must-see event for the loyal Tarleton faithful.

Closing the Curtain on an Era of Tarleton Basketball Excellence

Farewell to Wisdom Gym: A Storied Venue's Final Season

Tarleton State's men's basketball team is set to embark on a bittersweet journey, as they bid farewell to the iconic Wisdom Gym, their home court for decades. This iconic venue has witnessed countless thrilling moments, from nail-biting victories to unforgettable buzzer-beaters, and has become a cherished part of the Tarleton basketball legacy. As the Texans take the floor for the final time in this historic arena, the atmosphere is sure to be electric, with fans eager to soak in the last chapter of this era and create lasting memories.

Preseason Projections and Expectations: Texans Poised for a Memorable Campaign

Despite the impending closure of Wisdom Gym, the Texans are determined to make their final season in the venue a memorable one. The team was projected to finish sixth in the league by the coaches, a ranking that is sure to serve as motivation for the players to prove the doubters wrong. With a grueling non-conference schedule that includes matchups against several Power Five opponents, including a highly anticipated clash with the eighth-ranked Baylor Bears, the Texans will have ample opportunities to showcase their talent and make a statement on the national stage.

Freddy Hicks: The Texans' Veteran Leader and Scoring Dynamo

Leading the charge for the Texans is the dynamic Freddy Hicks, who returns for his final collegiate season after spending his first three years with the Purple and White. Hicks, a preseason All-WAC selection for the second time in his career, has already etched his name in the Tarleton record books, holding the program's Division I-era records in several statistical categories, including points, free throws made and attempted, total rebounds, defensive rebounds, and rebounds per game. As the Texans' all-time leading scorer, Hicks is poised to become the first 1,000-point scorer in the program's Division I era, a remarkable feat that will cement his legacy as one of the greatest players to don the Tarleton jersey.

Sophomore Standouts: Bubu Benjamin and Izzy Miles Primed for Breakout Seasons

Alongside the veteran leadership of Freddy Hicks, the Texans will also rely on the continued development of their talented sophomore duo, Bubu Benjamin and Izzy Miles. These young stars are expected to play a significant role in the team's success this season, as they look to build on the momentum they gained during their impressive freshman campaigns. With their combination of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ, Benjamin and Miles are poised to take the next step and become integral pieces of the Texans' roster.

Coaching Continuity and Proven Track Record: Billy Gillispie Leads the Texans into the Future

Guiding the Texans through this pivotal season is head coach Billy Gillispie, who enters his fifth year at the helm of the program. Gillispie, a seasoned veteran with a proven track record of success, will look to build on the team's impressive 25-win season and WAC semifinal appearance last year. Despite facing a medical leave of absence during the early part of the 2023-24 campaign, Gillispie has demonstrated his ability to lead the Texans to new heights, and the team will undoubtedly benefit from his wealth of experience and strategic acumen as they navigate their final season in Wisdom Gym.