Henderson, Tennessee — (April 9, 2024) — Dignitaries and community members joined Freed-Hardeman University faculty, staff and students in honoring the 2024 NAIA National Champions, FHU Men’s Basketball Tuesday, April 2! The Lions brought home the first national title for men’s basketball (joining the 2018 national title held by FHU Women’s Basketball) with their hard fought win against Langston University in the final game in Kansas City, Missouri, March 26, 2024.
The FHU Legacy Band performed while the Lions took the Loyd Auditorium stage. Highlight videos preceded FHU Athletic Director Jonathan Estes’s remarks and introduction of the program.
Congressman David Kustoff, who represents the 8th Congressional District, attended the ceremony to congratulate the national champions. He encouraged the team to relish the moment. “You have displayed selflessness, teamwork and character; these are traits that will serve you well throughout your lives,” Kustoff told the team.
Chester County Mayor Barry Hutcherson and Henderson Mayor Bobby King participated in the celebration. Hutcherson read a portion of the official proclamation designating Tuesday, April 2, 2024, as Freed-Hardeman Men’s Basketball National Champions Day. King also noted how much attention was brought to Henderson by the team’s coverage by ESPN.
In the days since the team’s big win, more accolades have poured in with head coach Drew Stutts winning NAIA’s Coach of the Year award and Lions point guard Quan Lax receiving the First-Team All-American award. Stutts called all of the recognitions for the team “unbelievable.”
“I’m speechless about the support we’ve received,” Stutts said during the chapel celebration. “I want to start by thanking President [David] Shannon and Mike McCutchen [former athletic director]. Five years ago those guys took a big chance on me; I was an unproven coach. They gave me an opportunity, and they had more belief in me than I had in myself at the time. I couldn’t be more thankful to be a part of this university and lead this program.”
Stutts, who is in his fifth season as the head coach for the FHU Lions, holds the record as the fastest FHU men’s basketball head coach to record 50 wins. Since taking over, Stutts has seen 20 out of 22 players graduate Freed-Hardeman University, with a retention rate of 100% over the last two seasons.
“I’ve been a leader of a team, and I’ve been the last one on the bench,” Stutts said. “The right people have been in my life. If you told me 10 years ago that I’d be standing on this stage, I wouldn’t have believed you.”
Ever the coach, Stutts used his moment on stage to encourage the FHU student body in chapel.
“Belief is extremely powerful; sometimes we sell ourselves short but with God’s help, anything is possible,” he said. “Don’t bury your talent.”
Stutts also emphasized the importance of team work. “You’re better together, and you’re better as a team – you can’t do it alone,” he said. “You need Him [God], and you need your team.”
In discussing the team’s win, Stutts also gave credit to the previous FHU Lion players for laying the groundwork that helped the team secure the championship. “All of the guys who have been here for the past five years have played a role in getting us here,” Stutts said. “It’s not one guy; it’s the team.”
Stutts also thanked Estes and the men’s baseball team for their support throughout the season. The FHU Baseball Lions rearranged their spring break travel schedule to be in Kansas City to cheer on the FHU Basketball Lions. They have been difference makers in the stands all season.
After introducing Stutts, Estes passed the mic to Lion forward Hunter Scurlock, who was named Chuck Taylor MVP of the NAIA tournament. “It’s been a fun ride, and I’m looking forward to seeing what these guys do next year,” Scurlock said. “I’m super excited to see this [tradition of winning] carried on.”
As the ceremony drew to a close, President David R. Shannon expressed his profound gratitude to the team for bringing joy and fulfillment to the entire FHU community.“You don’t know the joy and fulfillment you’ve brought to the alumni,” he declared. “We’re all so proud of you.”
FHU is among three active universities in the NAIA to have won both men’s and women’s national basketball championships. FHU also has a national title in doubles tennis.
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees.