As the leaves fall and college basketball gears up across the nation, excitement builds around the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles and their upcoming season. With new players joining the squad, returning talent maturing, and head coach John Pelphrey entering a crucial point in his tenure, the 2024–25 season is shaping up to be a pivotal one in the program’s trajectory.
TLDR: Tennessee Tech Basketball Season Outlook
The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles enter the new season with renewed optimism, thanks to a strong recruiting class and key player development from returning athletes. Head coach John Pelphrey continues to build a balanced roster with a mix of homegrown and transfer talent. This season will focus on building team chemistry, improving defensive efficiency, and competing for a top position in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). Fans should expect to see a tougher, more cohesive unit on the court.
Season Outlook: A Key Turning Point for Coach Pelphrey
The upcoming basketball season at Tennessee Tech is more than just another campaign—it’s a chance for the Golden Eagles to solidify their place in the Ohio Valley Conference while continuing to establish a long-term vision for success. Last season, the team showed flashes of potential but lacked the consistency and firepower to make a deep postseason run. This year could mark a turning point.
Head coach John Pelphrey, now in his fifth year at Tennessee Tech, has continued to emphasize player development and long-term recruiting rather than quick fixes. His core philosophy centers on high-IQ basketball, diligent defense, and player-led leadership. With a few seasons under his belt, Pelphrey’s vision is becoming clearer, and this year’s roster could offer a glimpse of what that vision looks like fully realized.
Key Goals for the Season
- Improve scoring efficiency from the perimeter
- Strengthen transition defense and rebounding presence
- Develop freshmen and integrate transfer players smoothly
- Secure a top-four finish in the OVC standings
Returning Stars to Watch
The Golden Eagles are anchored by several returning players who made significant contributions last season. Most notably, Jayvis Harvey, the 6’5″ guard, showed he’s capable of becoming a leader on both ends of the court. Harvey’s ability to hit clutch shots and lock down the opposing team’s best perimeter player will be vital if Tennessee Tech wants to climb the standings.
Also returning is combo forward Brett Thompson, an athletic presence in transition who has become more confident pulling the trigger from the mid-range. Thompson’s versatility gives Tech options for dynamic offensive sets and matchup flexibility on defense.
Other returners include high-energy rebounder Daniel Ramsey and sharpshooter Diante Wood, both of whom could make major leaps in their performance thanks to offseason training and a broader offensive scheme.
Incoming Talent: Recruitment Making an Impact
Tennessee Tech’s 2024 recruiting class is considered one of the most promising in recent years for the program. Coach Pelphrey and his staff focused on three core areas: scoring guards, rebounding forwards, and long-term potential. The result? A balanced group of newcomers ready to contribute from day one.
Top Freshmen to Watch
- Kobe Mangum (G, 6’2″) – A high-IQ scorer from South Carolina who led his high school to consecutive state tournament appearances. Known for his three-point accuracy and work ethic, Mangum could find minutes early in the backcourt rotation.
- Roman Gillis (F, 6’7″) – A stretch four who can defend multiple positions and shoot from the perimeter. Originally from Georgia, Gillis adds versatility and size that the Golden Eagles needed down low.
Transfer Portal Additions
Tennessee Tech also made effective use of the transfer portal, securing commitments from experienced players who can step into the spotlight without the learning curve freshmen often face. Two key names stand out:
- Jordan Miles (G/F, 6’6″) – A transfer from a mid-major powerhouse, Miles brings elite perimeter defense and postseason experience to the Golden Eagles. His size makes him a difficult matchup on the wing.
- Micah Hearn (G, 6’1″) – A shifty, explosive combo guard who averaged double-digit points at his previous school. Expect Hearn to add depth and scoring punch to Tech’s second unit early in the season.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Roster
On paper, Tennessee Tech has one of its most balanced rosters in recent memory. Between veterans, young talent, and multidimensional players, the coaching staff has flexibility in both offense and defense. However, questions still linger heading into the season.
Strengths
- Versatility: Players like Jordan Miles and Brett Thompson can slide between multiple positions, allowing for adaptable game strategies.
- Improved Shooting: With new additions like Mangum and further development from Wood, expect better results from three-point range.
- Veteran Presence: Several seniors and experienced transfers will provide leadership and level-headedness in close contests.
Weaknesses
- Interior Defense: Despite athletic forwards, true rim protection could still be a soft spot against bigger OVC opponents.
- Team Chemistry: Integrating newcomers, especially transfers, always takes time and patience during the early months.
- Consistency in Execution: Tennessee Tech occasionally struggled with turnovers and lapses in concentration last season—issues that must be corrected quickly.
Schedule Highlights and Must-Watch Games
The 2024–25 schedule is a balanced mix of conference and non-conference opponents, giving fans plenty of opportunities to see how the Golden Eagles stack up both regionally and nationally.
Non-Conference Games
- November 11: at Vanderbilt – A major early-season test against an SEC opponent. A strong performance could build confidence for the young team.
- November 25: vs Lipscomb – A rising in-state rivalry that always brings high tension and fan energy.
OVC Matchups to Watch
- January 13: vs Morehead State – One of the conference’s perennial powerhouses and a true measuring stick matchup for Tennessee Tech.
- February 17: at UT Martin – Late-season road game that could have postseason implications in the OVC standings.
Fan Engagement and Facilities
The Eblen Center, home of Tennessee Tech basketball, is undergoing subtle enhancements focused on improving the player and fan experience. From renovated weight training rooms to upgraded digital scoreboards and new seating arrangements, the school is investing in the long-term success of the program.
Additionally, the athletic department has ramped up its social media and community outreach campaigns, aiming to pack the house and give the Golden Eagles a formidable home-court advantage.
Final Thoughts: A Season Filled With Potential
With a deep, flexible roster and renewed energy on and off the court, Tennessee Tech is heading into a make-or-break season that could set the tone for years to come. If Coach Pelphrey and his staff can harness this roster’s potential and foster rapid chemistry among new players, the Golden Eagles could soar higher than they have in nearly a decade.
The fans are ready, the schedule is set, and the pieces are coming together—now all that’s left is to tip off the season.
