Honestly, if you haven’t been paying attention to what’s happening in Martin, Tennessee, lately, you’re missing one of the weirdest and most impressive rebuilds in college hoops. We’re talking about a program that, for years, basically existed as a footnote in the Ohio Valley Conference. Not anymore.
UT Martin basketball is currently in the middle of a massive identity shift under head coach Jeremy Shulman. It’s not just about winning games—though they are doing plenty of that—it’s about how they’re doing it.
The Shulman Effect and the 2025-26 Surge
When Jeremy Shulman took over, he didn't just tweak the roster. He blew it up. Last season was a bit of a rollercoaster, finishing 14-19 with a bunch of heartbreakers. In fact, they led the nation in one-possession losses.
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That would break most teams.
But this 2025-26 season? It's a totally different story. As of mid-January 2026, the Skyhawks are sitting at 14-4 overall and 6-1 in the OVC. They just came off a gritty 65-59 win over SIU Edwardsville on January 15, which extended their winning streak to six games. They are literally the hottest team in the conference right now.
The roster is a global experiment. You’ve got Andrija Bukumirović from Serbia, Dragos Lungu from Romania, and Matas Deniusas from Lithuania. It feels more like a FIBA lineup than a small-school squad in rural Tennessee.
Why the Defense is Suddenly Terrifying
For years, "UT Martin basketball" meant high-scoring, chaotic games where defense was sort of an afterthought. Shulman changed that.
Currently, the Skyhawks are ranking near the top of the country in defensive efficiency. In that recent win against SIUE, they held the Cougars to under 40% shooting. Bukumirović is a problem. The 6-foot-7 junior isn't just a scorer; he's a vacuum on the boards, grabbing 10 rebounds against SIUE to go along with 14 points.
Then you have Filip Radaković.
He’s been the engine lately. Dropping 16 points and 8 rebounds in their last outing, he’s proving that this team doesn't rely on just one guy. They move the ball, they rotate with clinical precision, and they actually seem to enjoy making life miserable for opposing guards.
The Women’s Side: Lady Skyhawks Holding Ground
You can't talk about hoops in Martin without mentioning the women’s program. While the men are grabbing headlines with their win streak, the Lady Skyhawks are navigating a brutal OVC schedule of their own.
They’ve had some legendary moments in the past—think back to the Heather Butler and Jasmine Newsome days—and that standard hasn't left the building. This year, they’re leaning heavily on veteran leadership to stay in the top half of the standings. The OVC is a gauntlet this year, especially with teams like Little Rock and Southern Indiana playing at such a high level.
What Most People Get Wrong About Skyhawk Arena
People think "small school" means a quiet atmosphere. Wrong.
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Skyhawk Arena (or the Elam Center, if you’re being formal) has become a legitimate fortress. The school’s recent 86-62 demolition of Tennessee Tech earlier this season showed what happens when that crowd gets involved. The community has fully bought into Shulman's "blue-collar" approach.
The rebounding numbers tell the real story. This team is currently top-25 nationally in total rebounds per game. That’s pure effort. You don't coach someone to be 22nd in the country at crashing the glass; you recruit players who are willing to fight for every loose ball.
Key Stats for the 2025-26 Season
If you're looking for the "why" behind the wins, look at these specific metrics:
- Defensive Rating: Currently 17th in the NCAA.
- Rebounding Margin: +8.9 per game (dominating the OVC).
- The International Pipeline: 7 of their top 10 rotation players are from outside the United States.
- Home Record: They remain undefeated at home in conference play this year.
The Road Ahead: Can They Make the Big Dance?
UT Martin has never made the NCAA Division I Tournament. They’ve won regular-season titles (2009 and 2024), but the OVC Tournament has always been their kryptonite.
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This feels different.
The schedule coming up is tricky. They’ve got Lindenwood on January 17, followed by a tough road trip to Southeast Missouri on January 20. If they can sweep this next three-game stretch, they’ll likely move into the driver's seat for the #1 seed in Evansville.
How to Follow the Skyhawks
To stay on top of the action, you should be checking the official UTM Sports site daily for box scores. If you’re a betting person or just a stats nerd, keep an eye on the "Points Against" category. As long as they keep holding teams under 65 points, they’re going to cover spreads and win games.
Watch the games on ESPN+. It’s the easiest way to catch the OVC broadcasts. Also, if you’re in the West Tennessee area, actually go to a game. The energy in that building right now is the best it’s been since the Lester Hudson era in 2009.
Next Steps for Fans:
Check the upcoming schedule for the January 24th matchup against Little Rock. That game will likely decide the regular-season champion. Keep an eye on Matas Deniusas’ health; he’s been dealing with a minor ankle issue but remains their most explosive offensive threat. If he’s 100%, this team is the clear favorite to finally break the NCAA Tournament curse.