Sells Back In UC As A Golden Eagle

Livingston Academy alum Matthew Sells has returned to the Upper Cumberland to play his senior season of basketball with Tennessee Tech.

The Overton County native said coming out of high school he had his eyes on Tech, but knew playing D-II basketball at Lincoln Memorial was the path for him. He said the three years he spent in East Tennessee playing basketball has prepared him division 1 basketball and for his return to the UC.

“Ultimately the thing that drew me to Tech was the coaches and the degree that I would be getting,” Sells said. “So, I’m studying civil engineering down here and whenever the coaches came and talked to me they pretty much sold the school which I already knew a lot about.”

When he learned that Tech had not been to the NCAA tournament since 1963, Sells said he bought into the program and making it to March Madness. He said that as a freshman he thought he knew a thing or two about basketball, but now as a senior looks back fondly at what he learned in 3 seasons with Lincoln Memorial.

“The biggest things was getting used to the speed, getting used to the strength and really the only difference between the two levels is the size,” Sells said. “My three years there, I really developed my mind and I really learned the ins and outs of the game.”

Though Cookeville is not his hometown, Sells said it is nice to be back in a familiar area playing with familiar guys. Along with Sells, the Golden Eagles features four players that hail from the Upper Cumberland.

Sells said he is excited to play at home this year in Cookeville and noted he hopes high school fans are excited for Tech basketball as well.

“Obviously this area loves basketball,” Sells said. “I think once we start winning some games and drawing some crowds, I think it will be magnified. I just know this area appreciates basketball a lot and I know how much it would mean for us to have a really good season and potentially make it to March Madness.”