"Community comes together to celebrate Freed-Hardeman Men's Basketball State Championship win".
In Henderson, Tennessee, on April 9, 2024, local dignitaries and community members and Freed-Hardeman University faculty, staff and students gathered to celebrate the 2024 NAIA National Champions, the FHU Men's Basketball team,. on Tuesday, April 2nd!
On April 26, 2024, the Lions won their first FHU Men's Basketball National Title, a decisive victory over Langston University in the finals in Kansas City, Missouri, celebrated this milestone with lively entertainment by the FHU Legacy Band as the Lions graced the stage in Loyd Auditorium. The celebration began with a sweet presentation of important videos, followed by motivational presentations and an introduction to the program by FHU Athletic Director Jonathan Estes Senator David Kustoff, representing The Eighth Congressional District, was there to congratulate the nine state candidates, and with its significance of action.
He encouraged the group to take advantage of this opportunity.
Chester County Mayor Barry Hutcherson and Henderson Mayor Bobby King joined the celebration."
King also highlighted the attention ESPN brought to Henderson by covering the team.
More accolades poured in than the team’s stunning success, with head coach Drew Stutts winning the NAIA Coach of the Year award and Lions point guard Quan Lax earning first-team All-American honors
Stutts described the group's overall recognition as "fantastic."
"I'm lost for words about the support we've received," Stutts revealed during the parish celebration.
Now in his fifth season as head coach of the FHU Lions, Stutts holds the record as the fastest FHU men’s basketball coach to 50 wins
During his tenure, Stutts has had 20 of 22 players graduate from Freed-Hardeman University, maintaining a 100 retention percentage over the last two years
"I've experienced being a team leader and being on the sidelines," Stutts commented. "The right people have helped make my journey happen. If you would have told me ten years ago that I would be standing on this platform, I wouldn't have believed you." Always in coach mode, Stutts uses his time on stage to motivate the FHU student body in chapel.
“Faith is so powerful; sometimes we underestimate ourselves, but with God's guidance, anything is possible," he stressed. "Don't waste your talent."
Stutts also emphasized the importance of teamwork. "You're stronger together and you're stronger as a team – you can't win alone," he stressed. "You need him [God], and you need your team."
In describing the team’s success, Stutts acknowledged the contributions of former FHU Lions players in laying the foundation that led to the championship.
"All of the players that have been a part of this journey over the past five years have played a role in getting us to this point," Stutts acknowledged. "It's not about one person; it's about the team."
The FHU Baseball Lions adjusted their spring break travel schedule to go to Kansas City in support of the FHU Basketball Lions.
They consistently made a big impact from the stands throughout the season.
After Stutts was introduced, Estes turned the microphone to Lyon forward Hunter Scurlock, who was named Chuck Taylor MVP of the NAIA Tournament.
"It's been an exciting journey and I'm looking forward to seeing these guys develop next year," Scurlock commented. "I'm very happy to see this winning tradition continue."
As the ceremony drew to a close, President David R. McCarthy delivered a speech.
"You can't get enough of the joy and satisfaction you brought to our alumni," he declared. "We are all very proud of you."
FHU stands as one of three active NAIA universities to win the men’s and women’s state basketball championships. Additionally, FHU boasts a state title in doubles tennis.
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students nurture their God-given talents for His glory through an education that seamlessly integrates Christian faith, education, and service.
With campuses in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, bachelor’s, graduate specialist, and doctoral degrees For more information, visit fhu.edu.