2026 and then: Men’s basketball celebrates 40th anniversary of 1986 NAIA championship 

Players of Lipscomb’s 1986 championship team were honored Feb. 7, 2026, during a Lipscomb men’s basketball game at Allen Arena, marking 40 years since the program’s only national title.

The team from David Lipscomb College won the NAIA Men’s Basketball Championship on March 18, 1986, defeating Arkansas-Monticello 67-54 at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri. Led by Coach Don Meyer, the Bisons finished with a 35-4 overall record. 

Senior John Kimbrell was named the tournament’s most valuable player, scoring a total of 22 points. 

The season was filled with milestones. The Bisons opened with 18 consecutive wins – a school record at the time – and became the program’s first team to reach the No. 1 ranking, holding that spot for three weeks. They closed the season with 13 straight wins, including five in the national tournament. 

It remains the only men’s basketball championship in program history and was the first NAIA title by a Nashville college since 1959. 

“A lot of overnight success stories are years in the making,” said Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson, who played center on the team from 1986-1990. Hutcheson was also named 1990 NAIA Player of the Year and All-American for four years.

Both players and administrators highlighted team dynamics as the key to success.

“They played for each other — completely selfless. They didn’t care who got the credit,” Hutcheson said. 

Tom Kelsey, senior forward on the 1986 championship team, scored four points in the final game.

“Maybe not supreme talent, but guys who loved each other and loved the sport,” Kelsey said.

In the championship game, Lipscomb faced a five-point deficit at halftime. The team adjusted in the second half, ultimately winning by 13.

Richard Taylor, junior forward, scored two points in the final game.

“When you have an unselfish mentality, there’s fruit that comes from that — courage, toughness, and the will to win,” Taylor said.

Taylor also reflected on the larger picture.

“The biggest thing is that God gets the glory,” he said. 

The 40-year reunion brought back about a dozen former players, who were recognized during halftime. 

“We rolled out the red carpet and did our best to honor them as national champions,” said Spencer Barnabee, Lipscomb director of marketing for athletics. 

Former players said the season’s impact extends beyond the championship.

“The teammates, the friendships — that’s what stays with you,” Taylor said. 

Kelsey emphasized the importance of teamwork.

“There was no chance of success if I didn’t have the guys to my right and left,” he said.

Hutcheson acknowledged the program continues to reflect similar values.

“We compete at the highest level,” Hutcheson said, “but we also remember we have a higher calling.”