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A resolution recognizing the Tennessee State University Men’s Basketball Team for winning the 2025-26 Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Championship and securing a berth in the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.
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WHEREAS, the Tennessee State University Tigers men’s basketball team captured the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Championship on March 7, 2026, securing its first conference tournament title in more than 30 years and earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament for the first time since 1994; and
WHEREAS, the Tigers’ championship run marks a historic resurgence for the program, signaling a return to national prominence and reestablishing Tennessee State University as a competitive force in collegiate basketball; and
WHEREAS, as one of Nashville’s proud historically Black colleges and universities, Tennessee State University’s success carries broader significance, highlighting the continued excellence, resilience, and national impact of HBCU athletic programs; and
WHEREAS, in his first season, Head Coach Nolan Smith led the Tigers to an outstanding 23-10 overall record and the best conference record in the OVC, earning recognition as OVC Co-Coach of the Year; and
WHEREAS, the team was led by OVC Player of the Year Aaron Nkrumah, along with All-OVC First Team selection Travis Harper II and All-OVC Second Team honoree Dante Harris, whose exceptional play earned him OVC Tournament Most Valuable Player honors, with Nkrumah and Harper also being named to the All-Tournament Team; and
WHEREAS, the dedication, discipline, and talent demonstrated by the student-athletes, coaches, and staff throughout the season brought pride and recognition to the University, its alumni, and the Nashville community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE, that:
Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record recognizing and celebrating the Tennessee State University Men’s Basketball Team for its historic 2025-26 season, culminating in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Championship and a return to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Section 2. The Metropolitan County Council further commends the players, coaches, and staff for their leadership and achievement, and recognizes the broader significance of this milestone as a moment of pride for Tennessee State University, its alumni, HBCU athletics, and the Nashville community.
Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.