OPENING TIP: The Nolan Smith era tips off Monday evening at the Gentry Center as Tennessee State hosts Fisk in the Battle of Jefferson Street. The Tigers will play 12 home games at Gentry this season, with the next coming on Nov. 11 against Oakwood.
The Matchup:
Tennessee State (Season Opener) vs. Fisk (0-5)
Date/Time: Monday, November 3 at 7:00 PM
Location: NASHVILLE | Gentry Center
TV: ESPN+
SERIES HISTORY VS FISK: Monday marks the 27th all-time meeting between TSU and Fisk, with the Tigers holding a 23-3 advantage in the series. TSU has won the last 15 matchups dating back to the 1944-45 season. Last year, the Tigers earned a 96-66 victory behind a combined 44 points from Ronald Jessamy and Carlous Williams. Four players return from last season's squad that faced Fisk.
PITRE DISH: A Pepperdine transfer who spent last season at Sacramento State, Jalen Pitre adds athleticism and energy to the Tigers' frontcourt. The 6-foot-8 forward has appeared in 51 career games, showing flashes of two-way impact with his rebounding and interior scoring touch. Despite injuries limiting his past two seasons, Pitre has proven productive when healthy — highlighted by a 16-point, 9-rebound performance against Idaho State and steady minutes early last year at Sacramento State.
PIKES PEAK PERFORMER: A steady playmaker out of the MIC and All-County ranks, Damon Howard Jr. joins the Tigers after a strong prep career where he averaged 11.5 points, 2.9 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. Known for his poise and feel at the guard spot, Howard Jr. will look to bring his balanced scoring and facilitating ability to the college level
DUECES: A key contributor last season, Travis "Duece" Harper II emerged as one of the Tigers' most consistent offensive threats. The redshirt junior started 23 of 24 games, averaging 10.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 37% from three-point range and nearly 85% from the free-throw line. A confident perimeter shooter with the ability to rebound and defend multiple positions, Harper provides experience and steady production on both ends of the floor.
LONDON'S BRIDGE: After missing last season due to injury, redshirt sophomore Khalil London is set to bring his scoring touch and versatility to the Tigers' lineup. During his freshman campaign at College of Charleston, London flashed his potential with several standout performances — including 14 points at Hampton and a buzzer-beating four-point play at Northeastern. A confident scorer who shot 50% from the field in limited action, London looks to pick up where he left off as an energetic and efficient offensive threat.
YIKES SPIKES: A decorated transfer and consistent performer, Jabrion Spikes joins the Tigers after an impressive run at the NAIA level. A 2024–25 MSC First Team All-Conference selection, Spikes averaged 13.0 points and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 54% from the field last season. The versatile guard has shown steady growth throughout his career, improving his efficiency and expanding his scoring repertoire each year. Off the court, Spikes exemplifies excellence as a four-time Dean's List honoree and recipient of the MSC Champion of Character Award.
DANTE'S PEAK: A proven Division I veteran, Dante Harris joins the Tigers with an accomplished résumé that spans stints at Memphis, Virginia, and Georgetown. The former BIG EAST Tournament Most Outstanding Player brings leadership, toughness, and experience as a true floor general. Harris has appeared in more than 90 career games, showcasing his ability to score, facilitate, and defend at a high level. Known for his steady play and competitive edge, the Tennessee native now returns closer to home looking to make an immediate impact in the TSU backcourt.
HIGH-EFFICIENT: Sophomore forward Antoine Lorick made the most of his minutes last season, establishing himself as a high-efficiency contributor around the rim. Appearing in 32 games, Lorick averaged 5.0 points and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 61% from the field. Known for his activity on the glass and ability to finish through contact, he also added 28 assists, 17 steals, and 9 blocks. Lorick's athleticism and energy make him a valuable piece in TSU's frontcourt rotation.
SECRETARY OF INTERIOR: Coming off a strong season, Carlous Williams proved to be one of the Tigers' most efficient and reliable contributors. The 6-foot-7 forward started 29 of 33 games, averaging 10.8 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting nearly 55% from the field. A dependable interior scorer with a growing perimeter touch, Williams also contributed defensively with 26 blocks and 22 steals. His combination of strength, mobility, and consistency makes him a key piece in TSU's frontcourt core.
3RD MR. BASKETBALL: A two-time state champion and 2025 TSSAA Division II-A Mr. Basketball, Jayden Jones arrives at TSU as one of Tennessee's top high school talents. The 6-foot Goodpasture Christian standout averaged 18.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.5 steals as a senior, leading his team to the state semifinals. A versatile scorer and competitor, Jones becomes the third straight Mr. Basketball signee under Then-head coach Brian "Penny" Collins, extending TSU's tradition of recruiting elite in-state playmakers.
RIM PROTECTION: One of the top junior college big men in the nation, Jean Yvens Lafleur joins TSU after a breakout season at Southwest Tennessee. The TCCAA Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-Conference selection averaged 14.4 points and 9.0 rebounds while anchoring the paint with toughness and athleticism. His growth from reserve to dominant post presence highlighted his work ethic and defensive instincts. With two years of eligibility remaining, Lafleur brings rebounding strength, rim protection, and interior scoring to the Tigers' frontcourt rotation.
VERSATILE VET: Ogien Ayo arrives at TSU as a proven two-way contributor with a track record of consistency and leadership. Starting all 26 games for Kentucky State last season, Ayo averaged 13.0 points and 6.7 rebounds while also contributing 42 assists and 15 steals. Known for his versatility and efficiency, he has steadily developed into a reliable scorer and rebounder who can impact both ends of the court. Ayo's experience and work ethic make him a valuable addition to the Tigers' rotation.
THE LEADER OF THE PACK:Junior Aaron Nkrumah returns as one of TSU's most experienced and versatile players. Starting 30 of 32 games last season, he led the team in minutes (29.8 per game) while contributing 10.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. A strong presence on both ends, Nkrumah added 54 steals and 20 blocks, showcasing his defensive impact. His all-around skill set, leadership, and floor awareness make him a cornerstone of the Tigers' rotation heading into the new season.
INSIDE OUTSIDE ATTACKER: Alex Garcia developed into a productive and versatile guard during his season at Walter State, appearing in 28 games and averaging 6.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per contest. He showcased the ability to score inside and beyond the arc, shooting 42.3% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range, while providing energy on the boards and solid defensive effort. With his shooting touch and consistent play, Garcia adds depth and scoring versatility to the Tigers' backcourt.
