Billy Gillispie returns as head coach for Men's Basketball

BY JAXON HANSARD / Sports Editor

The winningest team in Tarleton State University Men’s Basketball history is back and March Madness eligible, but there are some things that are different from last season that will ultimately test the team. 

The biggest change is the return of recently extended head coach Billy Gillispie, who’s back in driver’s seat coaching this season. In the ‘23-’24, season Gillispie stepped down early in the season with a 2-2 record because of medical circumstances. At the time, Assistant Coach Jones took over the rest of the season for Gillispie. On Feb. 1, Gillispie was medically cleared to return but let Jones carry out the rest of the season, where he won WAC Coach of the Year. 

With having a different circumstance last season, Gillispie learned in new ways than before. 

“You always learn. I mean if you don’t learn it you might as well just give it up. We’re always learning and this game is constantly changing,” Gillispie said.  

Through NIL (Name Image and Likeness) commits, recruiting and the transfer portal, Tarleton has been working hard to refill a great roster to compete in the WAC. During the offseason in trying to get the best players available, Tarleton had a storybook moment of bringing back a beloved record-holding player in Forward Freddy Hicks for his final year of eligibility. 

“Having Freddy back is going to mean so much to us, much more than his playing ability. He is a great person, a great leader and one of the best guys I’ve ever coached as far as having everything you need to be successful,” Gillispie said. 

Hick’s career started in Stephenville with Gillispie when Tarleton just started their transition period to Division 1. Hicks would go on to win WAC Freshman of the Year and is currently looking to increase his totals and records here at Tarleton where he is second in the program history in field goal attempts, offensive rebounds and blocks. 

This season being the first to play in the NCAA tournament due to eligibility doesn’t change much for Coach Gillespie’s return as he will focus more on the culture and success. 

“Ever since we’ve been here our goal is to win every game, and the way you make the postseason is try to win every single game and kind of develop your team into a team that is ready,” Gillispie said. “We’re very accountable to the program, to the school. We have a great deal of pride in the community. And so we don’t accept failure, we don’t accept anything less than strive for perfection.”

The culture is “off the charts” and is built through Gillespie’s coaching and high accountability.