If you’ve spent any time in Clarksville, Tennessee lately, you’ve probably noticed the vibe is different. There is a specific kind of electricity humming around 101 Main Street. It isn't just the new downtown development or the fresh paint on the storefronts. It’s the sound of sneakers squeaking on Gary Mathews Court.
Austin Peay state university men's basketball is having a moment, and honestly, it’s one that’s been brewing since they left the Winfield Dunn Center behind.
Moving to the ASUN Conference in 2022 was a gamble. For 61 years, the Governors were the heartbeat of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). They were the guys who made "The Red Barn" (Memorial Gym) legendary. But things change. Programs grow. Now, under the direction of head coach Corey Gipson—a man who literally bled for this jersey as a player—the Govs are carving out a new identity in a brand-new arena that feels more like a professional cockpit than a college gym.
The Gipson Factor: Homegrown Grit
Corey Gipson isn't just some guy they hired to run sets. He’s an Austin Peay alum who knows exactly what "Fly High" means. He returned to Clarksville in 2023 and immediately flipped the script.
His first season back was basically a masterclass in the transfer portal era. He brought in 13 newcomers—yes, 13—and somehow turned a nine-win team into a 19-win contender. They didn't just play; they competed. They broke the program record for three-pointers made (280) and pushed their way into the ASUN Championship game in year one.
The 2024-25 season had its share of "growing pains," sure. They finished 14-19, which looks rough on paper until you realize they were integrating a nine-man recruiting class. That’s the thing about Gipson’s Austin Peay state university men's basketball teams: they are always "pertinacious." That’s his word. It basically means they are incredibly stubborn and refuse to quit.
Look at Tate McCubbin. He was the ASUN Freshman of the Year in 2025. You don't get that by accident. You get that by playing in a system that rewards guys who can shoot the lights out and defend like their lives depend on it.
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Living in the House the Predators Built
Let’s talk about F&M Bank Arena. It’s a 250,000-square-foot beast.
Before this, the Govs played in the Winfield Dunn Center, which had its charms but was, let's be real, a bit dated. The new spot seats about 5,500 for basketball. It’s operated by the Nashville Predators’ management arm, and you can feel that "pro" influence everywhere.
- The Atmosphere: Because the arena is built into a slope, you enter at the suite level. It’s a trip.
- The Tech: A massive four-sided scoreboard that gives you stats in real-time. No more squinting at a dusty lightboard.
- The Perks: They have a Nashville Hot Chicken stand. Need I say more?
The home record reflects the upgrade. In their first year at F&M, the Govs went 14-3 at home. That's not just home-court advantage; that’s home-court dominance. It’s the kind of place where rivals like Murray State or North Alabama come in and realize they aren't just playing a team—they're playing a whole city.
Breaking Down the 2025-26 Campaign
As of mid-January 2026, the Govs are currently 10-5 overall. But here’s the kicker: they are 4-0 in the ASUN.
They are currently on a six-game winning streak. They just handled North Florida 102-83 and squeaked past Jacksonville 71-68. This team is scoring about 80 points a game and holding opponents to under 70. That +11 scoring margin is serious business in mid-major basketball.
Who is Carrying the Load?
Collin Parker is the engine. The 6'8" senior is averaging over 16 points and 6 rebounds. He’s the guy who can stretch the floor (shooting nearly 40% from deep) but still bang inside when things get physical.
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Then you have Zyree Collins, the freshman phenom from St. Louis. He’s already putting up 14.5 points and dishing out 4.2 assists per game. Watching him and Parker work the two-man game is worth the price of admission alone.
And we have to mention Rashaud Marshall. He’s a big body at 6'8", 220 lbs, and he’s shooting a ridiculous 60.7% from the field. When he’s in the paint, he’s a problem. He also leads the team in blocks, which is crucial because Austin Peay state university men's basketball has become a defensive-minded squad under Gipson. They rank 34th nationally in defensive rating this year. That is elite.
The Rivalries: New and Old
The move to the ASUN meant leaving the Murray State rivalry behind in terms of conference standings, but the fire is still there. When those two teams play, F&M Bank Arena usually exceeds its 5,500 capacity.
However, a new "blood feud" is brewing with North Alabama. Since 2022, they've met several times, and almost every game is a nail-biter. We’re talking overtime finishes, double-digit lead changes, and a lot of trash talk. It’s exactly what the program needed to stay relevant during this transition.
The Govs are also playing a "suitcase schedule." This year alone, their non-conference slate took them to nine different states. They played Air Force in Colorado, Wyoming in the Laramie thin air, and even went to Spain for an international tour over the summer. They are a team that isn't afraid to travel 13,000+ miles just to prove they belong on the big stage.
Why Should You Care?
Mid-major basketball is the soul of the NCAA. It’s where guys like Corey Gipson come back to their roots to build something from the ground up.
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Austin Peay isn't just "the team with the funny name" or the school with the "Let's Go Peay" cheer (though, yes, that still rules). It’s a program with seven NCAA tournament appearances and a history of knocking off giants. Remember 1987? They beat Illinois in the first round as a 14-seed. That's the DNA of this program.
Right now, they are sitting at the top of the ASUN. They have a state-of-the-art facility. They have a coach who understands the culture.
Actionable Insights for the Season
If you're following the Govs this season, here’s what you need to keep an eye on to stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch the Turnover Margin: The Govs are currently +5.9 in turnover margin. They force 16.7 turnovers a game. If that number stays high, they are almost impossible to beat at home.
- The Parker-Collins Connection: Monitor how teams defend the Parker/Collins duo. When Parker gets hot from the perimeter, it opens up the lane for Rashaud Marshall to dominate the glass.
- Home Dominance: They are 6-0 at F&M Bank Arena this year. If they can sweep their home conference slate, they are essentially guaranteed a top seed in the ASUN Tournament.
- The Defensive Rating: Ranking 34th in the country for defense is unsustainable for most mid-majors, but if they stay in the top 50, they have "bracket buster" written all over them come March.
The road to the Big Dance is never easy, especially in a one-bid league like the ASUN. But there is a feeling in Clarksville right now that something special is happening. The transition period is over. The "new" arena is now a fortress. The roster is deep, and the coaching is inspired.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just looking for a dark horse to track for your tournament pool, Austin Peay state university men's basketball is a name you need to keep on your radar. They are fast, they are physical, and they are playing with a chip on their shoulder that only a school from "The Fort" can truly understand.
The next few weeks of conference play will tell the story. But if the current six-game win streak is any indication, the Governors are tired of waiting for their turn. They’re taking it.