TSU Celebrates Thriving eSports Program with Successful NBA 2K Tournament

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has marked a significant milestone in its expanding academic eSports initiatives through the university’s SMART Technology Center, where innovation meets education. The recent TSU HEAT (Highly Exclusive Academic Team) NBA 2K Tournament, held at the Avon Williams Off Campus Instructional Site, exemplified the vibrant energy of eSports within the university community.

Marcus D. Horton, Technology Coach

The tournament, which took place on Nov. 20, attracted over 20 individual teams, uniting students in an atmosphere of electrifying competition and community engagement. The format allowed participants to showcase their skills in intense one-on-one matches, culminating in a series of fiercely contested rounds that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Players competed not only for gaming glory but also for exciting prizes, including AirPods, gaming headsets, and streaming equipment.

Members of TSU HEAT, the university eSports team, won several prizes at the NBA 2K Tournament. (Submitted Photo)

“Overall, I really enjoyed the experience. Setting up the tournament was a lot of fun and taught me greatly about what goes into both the setup and presentation to make everything look professional,” said Carlos Smiley, a junior majoring in business information systems and vice president of TSU HEAT. “The event went exceptionally well, creating a laid-back atmosphere that contributed to the smooth flow of the tournament.”

Carlos Smiley, VP of team TSU Heat, said he gained a lot of experience at the tournament.

University officials emphasize their commitment to advancing the role of eSports in academic settings, as demonstrated by innovative courses like “Academic eSports Pathways to STEAM” and “The Rise of eSports and Gamification in PreK-Higher Education.” TSU has embraced the multi-billion-dollar gaming industry by fostering an inclusive community through the Academic eSports Center, which caters to everyone from novice gamers mastering their first strategies to adults refining their skills in competitive environments.

A tournament participant exclaims with joy after making a winning move. (submitted photo)

“Events like these cultivate critical skills such as teamwork, strategy, and problem-solving, all of which are directly relevant to academic disciplines,” said Marcus D. Horton, technology coach in the TSU SMART Technology Center. “The NBA 2K tournament highlighted the growing importance of gamification in higher education, providing students with engagement opportunities that bridge the gap between their passions and educational aspirations.”

Jaden Roberson, Academic Technology Coach, said the tournament offered students unique learning experiences.

Jaden Roberson, an academic technology coach in the SMART Center, expressed his excitement about the event: “As the academic technology coach, I was thrilled to help host the NBA 2K tournament in partnership with the TSU HEAT eSports team. We had a fantastic turnout, and the energy in the auditorium was incredible. Events like this not only showcase our students’ talents but also highlight the potential of eSports to build community and offer unique learning experiences.”

Kiara Davis, a graduate student , has been a member of team TSU HEAT since her undergraduate years.

Now in its third year, the SMART Center has established a robust infrastructure for eSports, hosting a variety of team programs such as FIFA, Call of Duty, Fortnite, NBA 2K, and Madden.

“I’ve been a member of the TSU eSports team since 2021 and have gained so much from these experiences,” said Kiara Davis, a first-year graduate student and fellow vice president of TSU HEAT. “The NBA 2K tournament was packed with action and collaboration, not only within the eSports team but also with the SMART Center. Events like these highlight the intersection of entertainment and education.”

Two participants challenge each other for supremacy at the NBA 2K Tournament. (Submitted Photo)

Looking ahead, officials at TSU say they are dedicated to leveraging the global impact of eSports, solidifying the university’s position as a key player in the competitive gaming landscape alongside traditional sports. Future initiatives aim to further integrate gaming with academic outcomes, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the dynamic demands of today’s digital age.

For more information the TSU SMART Center, visit https://tsu-smartinnovationtech.netlify.app/.

Featured Photo: More than 20 teams competed in the NBA 2K Tournament held at the TSU SMART Technology Center, showcasing their skills in thrilling one-on-one matches. (Submitted Photo)