The Lipscomb Bisons represent Lipscomb University with a growing legacy in college athletics. Both Lipscomb Bisons men's basketball and Lipscomb Bisons basketball programs have achieved success over the years, earning conference titles and producing standout players. This history page highlights their milestones, memorable seasons, and the competitive spirit that defines the Bisons across all basketball programs.
College Sports Established
1891
Location
Nashville, Tennessee
College Name
Lipscomb University
Collegiate History
1996 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2003 - Present / ASUN Conference
2001 - 2003 / Independent
1996 - 2001 / TranSouth Athletic Conference
Nickname
Bisons - The Lipscomb Bisons have been a part of the NCAA since 1948 and are one of the most beloved teams in college sports. But what is the origin behind their nickname?
Lipscomb Bisons Origin
When David Lipscomb College was founded in 1891, it didn’t take long for students to adopt a mascot. The bison had already become an iconic symbol of American strength and resilience, so it seemed an obvious choice. As such, they chose “Bisons” as their official school mascot and nicknamed themselves “the herd”—a nod to both their size (they were among the largest universities in Tennessee at that time) and strength (bison are known for being powerful animals).
Over time, however, this nickname has taken on additional meaning: it represents physical power and mental toughness—qualities that embody all successful athletes. This is why today, when you hear someone talk about “the herd," they usually refer to Lipscomb's athletic program members who demonstrate tenacity even when faced with adversity or overwhelming odds against them.
In short: if you want proof that hard work pays off no matter how big or small your team may be, look no further than the resilient spirit embodied by "the herd" — aka The Lipscomb Bisons!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1937
- 2004
- 2018
- 2021
-
Lipscomb fields its first men’s basketball team
Lipscomb University fields its first intercollegiate athletic team in 1937, which was the men’s basketball team. They played against other local colleges and universities. -
The Lipscomb Bisons women’s basketball team wins their first Atlantic Sun Conference championship
In 2004: The Lipscomb Bisons women’s basketball team wins their first Atlantic Sun Conference championship. -
Lipscomb Bisons men’s soccer team wins ASUN Conference championship
In 2018: The Lipscomb Bisons men’s soccer team wins their first ASUN Conference championship. -
Ahsan Asadullah – ASUN Conference men’s basketball Player of the Year
In 2021: Lipscomb alum Ahsan Asadullah is named the ASUN Conference men’s basketball Player of the Year.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Lipcomb Bisons History
The Lipscomb Bisons have a proud and enduring history in NCAA athletics. Founded in 1891, Lipscomb University has competed at the Division I level since 2001. The Lipscomb Bisons have a notable rivalry with the Central Arkansas Bears and have become key competitors in the Atlantic Sun Conference (A-Sun). Since joining the A-Sun in 2007, the Bisons have captured eight conference championships across multiple sports, showcasing consistent excellence and competitive spirit.
In basketball, the Lipscomb Bisons men's basketball program has grown into one of the most respected mid-major teams. The Bisons achieved historic success by winning back-to-back A-Sun regular season and tournament championships in 2015 and 2016. They made their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2018, facing powerhouse Duke University. Standout players such as Garrison Mathews, who earned All A-Sun Player honors four times from 2015 to 2019, have gone on to professional careers, including selection by the Washington Wizards.
The Lipscomb Bisons basketball program continues to build on this momentum, consistently competing for A-Sun titles and developing players capable of performing at the highest levels. The team’s commitment to both athletic excellence and academic achievement has made it a model program within mid-major college basketball.
On the baseball diamond, Lipscomb Bisons baseball has been equally impressive. The program won six consecutive regular season titles from 2011 to 2016 and reached the College World Series Regional Finals, highlighting the team’s national competitiveness. Several alumni, including pitcher Casey Weathers, have advanced to professional careers, with Weathers being drafted 8th overall by the Colorado Rockies in 2006 and playing in MLB until 2014.
Other Lipscomb athletic programs—golf, tennis, soccer, and softball—have consistently competed at high levels, contributing to the overall strength and reputation of Lipscomb Bisons athletics. The university has cultivated a culture of sports excellence that resonates across all programs.
Bisons Achievements
The Lipscomb Bisons men's basketball program has achieved multiple milestones, including conference championships, NCAA Tournament appearances, and producing professional-level talent. The 2015-2016 seasons remain historic for the back-to-back regular season and tournament wins, while the 2018 NCAA Tournament appearance marked the program’s arrival on the national stage.
The Lipscomb Bisons basketball program, along with baseball and other sports, continues to build on these achievements. Baseball has won multiple A-Sun titles and advanced deep into postseason tournaments, solidifying the Lipscomb Bisons as a competitive and well-rounded athletic program. With strong recruiting, talented coaching staff, and a dedicated fan base, the Bisons are poised for continued success in the years ahead.
