ASUN Conference: Everything You Need to Know About the ASUN

This conference was originally established as the Trans America Athletic Conference (TAAC) in 1978. It was renamed as the Atlantic Sun Conference in 2001, and then re-branded as the ASUN Conference in 2016. The ASUN Conference is a college athletic conference that participates in the NCAA Division 1.

There are currently 14 schools that offer men’s basketball programs in the ASUN Conference. The conference, known for its dynamic mix, includes a variety of institutions. These schools range from small colleges with around 2,000 students to large universities hosting over 20,000 students. This diversity in size and type enriches the competition and showcases the unique blend of public and private universities within the conference.

The conference portrays its identity of the ASUN Conference to reflect their position as a ‘premier NCAA Division 1 conference’. They are contemporary but also designed to withstand the test of time. The identity of the ASUN Conference embraces the future.

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NOTE: The rising sun within the “A” represents hope and optimism for tomorrow. It also represents the brilliance of their student athletes who are at the heart of everything the conferences does. As sure as the sun will rise, the ASUN aspire to be leading the way.

The Atlantic Sun Conference, often referred to as the ASUN Conference, is a collegiate athletic organization competing at the NCAA Division I level. This conference mainly includes universities from the southeastern region of the United States. Specifically, its members are located in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and South Carolina.

Interestingly, despite its southern focus, one of its member institutions is situated in New Jersey. This highlights the conference’s unique geographical spread, primarily rooted in the Southeast but also extending to the Northeast with this single exception.

Such a diverse location of member institutions within the ASUN Conference allows it to offer a unique blend of regional athletic competition while maintaining a broad appeal across different states.

Headquartered in Macon, Georgia, the ASUN Conference boasts a diverse roster of nine member schools. These institutions vary significantly in size, hosting student populations as small as 2,000 and as large as over 20,000, and they represent a mix of both public and private entities.

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ASUN Member Schools

Here is a list of the 14 current member schools that play in the ASUN Conference (8 are Public & 6 are Private) showcasing a mix of institutions with diverse missions and sizes:

• Austin Peay State University (Public) – Clarksville, Tennessee – Governors
• Bellarmine University (Private) – Louisville, Kentucky – Knights
• University of Central Arkansas (Public) – Conway, Arkansas – Bears
• Jacksonville University (Private) – Jacksonville, Florida – Dolphins
• Eastern Kentucky University (Public) – Richmond, Kentucky – Colonels
• Florida Gulf Coast University (Public) – Fort Myers, Florida – Eagles
• Jacksonville State University (Public) – Jacksonville, Alabama – Gamecocks
• Kennesaw State University (Public) – Kennesaw, Georgia – Owls
• Liberty University (Private) – Lynchburg, Virginia – Flames
• Lipscomb University (Private) – Nashville, Tennessee – Bisons
• University of North Alabama (Public) – Florence, Alabama – Lions
• University of North Florida (Public) – Jacksonville, Florida – Ospreys
• Queens University of Charlotte (Private) – Charlotte, North Carolina – Royals
• Stetson University (Private) – DeLand, Florida – Hatters

The Atlantic Sun Conference consists of nine colleges, primarily situated in the southeastern region of the United States, including states like Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, and one in New Jersey. This diverse group includes both public and private institutions. These schools vary significantly in size, with student enrollments ranging from as few as 2,000 to more than 20,000 students.

The Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) is a prominent NCAA Division I athletic conference. Most of its members hail from the southeastern United States, covering states like Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and South Carolina, with a notable presence from New Jersey.

The conference headquarters are located in Macon, Georgia, and it sponsors a wide array of athletic opportunities with 19 sports. These institutions vary greatly in size, accommodating anywhere from 2,000 to over 20,000 students, allowing for a rich diversity in academic and athletic experiences.

The ASUN Conference is characterized by its blend of public and private institutions, each with unique missions and personalities, making it a dynamic and multifaceted organization in collegiate sports.

About the ASUN Conference

The ASUN puts their student athletes and lead by example in embracing a student-first culture. Their success resides in the impact we make in competition, in the classroom and in the community. Making a difference counts. We are united as a community of students, athletes, coaches, faculty, administrators, staff and fans. We have a history of firsts and remain committed to elevating our student-athletes and bettering our future. Below are some interesting and notable facts:

71% of ASUN student-athletes earning membership on this past year’s ASUN Honor Roll for posting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (2018-19 marked the second-highest percentage in league history)

The ASUN SAAC formulated a Social Media Campaign to raise awareness for Mental Health among student-athletes across the NCAA with student athletes from the conference sharing their stories and struggles to help break the stigma of mental health

The league completed its first Career in Sports Program in 2016-17 providing student athletes the opportunity to learn from industry leaders in the field of intercollegiate athletics. Student-Athletes completed four seminars and 30 hours of volunteer experience in their area of interest. Nine individuals have completed the program since the start of the program two years ago.

The ASUN Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) increased the student-athlete representation on the league’s standing committees for 2017-18 with the approved policy change ensuring the student athlete’s voice is utilized throughout the full process.

A total of 13 teams from ASUN Conference member and affiliate institutions were recognized with Academic Progress Rate Public Recognition Awards.

For the second-straight year, ASUN SAAC partnered with Project Life Movement. The non-profit organization, is focused on creating a national movement to increase the potential pool of bone marrow and tissue donors by testing and registering college students with a simple cheek swab.

The 2018-19 academic year saw a record number of broadcasts with 557, an increase of 25 percent from last year. The ASUN continued its expansion of the ESPN partnership with the entirety of the league’s broadcasts shifting to the Worldwide Leader’s new platform, ESPN+.

ASUN SAAC revamped its annual Canned Food Drive this year by engaging more with its local community and in turn raised 11,849 items that were donated to organizations close to campus. The food total nearly quadrupled the previous year’s total.

ASUN Men’s Basketball teams played in front of 176,099 fans during the 2018-19 season. For the seventh-straight season, the ASUN Men’s Basketball Championship Final was played in front of a sell-out crowd.

For the second-straight year, the league publicized its ASUN Beam Video Series, which takes an in-depth look at two student-athletes from each institution. The emphasis of this year’s video campaign was one of the league’s four Beams, “Students First.” The videos highlighted their academic accomplishments as well as training and internships they have completed while on campus.

The Atlantic Sun Conference offers an array of sports for its athletes. These include popular team sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer, and baseball. Additionally, tennis, golf, and cross country are part of their offerings. For those interested in track, both indoor and outdoor events are available. The conference also supports sports such as softball, beach volleyball, and lacrosse. Student-athletes can also participate in swimming and diving, as well as men’s and women’s tennis.

Whether you’re an athlete interested in court games, field sports, or aquatic competitions, the Atlantic Sun Conference provides diverse opportunities for showcasing your talents.

The Atlantic Sun Conference proudly supports a comprehensive array of 19 collegiate sports. These sports encompass:

• Men’s Sports: Basketball, Baseball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, and Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field.
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field, and Volleyball.

This inclusive selection highlights the conference’s commitment to fostering athletic talent across a diverse range of disciplines, providing opportunities for both men and women to excel.

ASUN Conference, Atlanta, Georgia

The ASUN boasts a membership of schools that share visionary leadership, bold ambition and creative innovation. They are described as a nimble adaptive conference who are unafraid to blaze a national pathway for better service to our student-athletes, teams, and schools. The ASUN has a proud history of firsts, national academic and athletic achievements and a conference culture that walks the walk with its four ASUN Beams. Students First! Rise. Connect. Impact.

Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament Record

The Atlantic Sun Conference has participated in the NCAA Tournament with a total of 43 team appearances. However, no team from this conference has ever reached the milestone of a Final Four appearance or secured a national championship. While numerous teams have competed, advancing deep into the tournament remains an achievement yet to be accomplished by any Atlantic Sun representative.

ASUN Media

The ASUN Conference has various media outlets for fans and student athletes to follow and stay up to date on whats happening. Below you can see which media outlets provide you access to men’s basketball media information:

• Twitter – @ASUN_MBB
• Facebook – ASUN Conference
• ASUN Social Stream 
• ESPN 
• LinkedIn 

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ADDITIONAL RELEVANT INFORMATION:

Most Successful Teams in Atlantic Sun Conference History

The Atlantic Sun Conference has seen numerous teams compete in NCAA tournaments over the years. While no team has clinched a championship or reached the Final Four, some have made more tournament appearances than others.

Notable Performances

• Most Tournament Appearances: A select few teams have managed to qualify for multiple NCAA tournaments.
• Best Win-Loss Records: While success in advancing past initial rounds has been elusive, several teams have demonstrated consistency by securing multiple berths.

Consistent Contenders

The teams with the most frequent showings in the NCAA tournament have established themselves as strong competitors within the conference. Their regular participation highlights their significant contributions to the conference’s competitive spirit.

Overall, while no team has reached the pinnacle of NCAA success, the Atlantic Sun Conference boasts a history of resilient participants who have continually vied for glory on the national stage.

Trends in Win-Loss Percentages and Statistical Metrics in the Atlantic Sun Conference

The Atlantic Sun Conference (A-Sun), previously known as the Trans America Athletic Conference (TAAC), has experienced various trends in its win-loss percentages and other statistical metrics over the years. These reflect the changing dynamics and competitiveness within the conference.

Win-Loss Percentage Trends

• Recent Seasons: In the last few years, the conference has seen fluctuating performances with win-loss percentages hovering around .450 to .524. For instance, the 2022-23 season showed a slightly better performance at .524, indicating a competitive balance within the teams.
• Mid-2000s to Early 2010s: This period often featured win-loss percentages in the high .400s to low .500s. The stability in these figures suggests consistent competitive levels among the member teams.
• 1980s to Early 1990s: During this time, teams often struggled to maintain a .500 average, with percentages frequently dipping below .475. This reflects a period of growing pains and adjustments within the conference structure.

SRS and SOS Metrics

• SRS (Simple Rating System): The SRS has generally been negative, indicating challenges in outperforming opponents on a consistent basis. In recent seasons, the numbers range from approximately -5 to -7. This suggests competitive matches but with a slight tilt towards stronger opponents outside the conference.
• SOS (Strength of Schedule): SOS figures tell a similar story, with values typically ranging from -2 to -7. This illustrates the conference teams facing relatively strong opposition, impacting their overall records.

NCAA Participation and Championships

• NCAA Tournament Entries: Participation in the NCAA tournament has seen variability. While some seasons saw representation, others did not, showcasing the fluctuating strength and skill within the conference.
• Regular and Tournament Champions: The list of regular season and tournament champions over the years includes teams like Liberty and Florida Gulf Coast. These teams have demonstrated consistent strong performances, often edging out other members for top honors.

Standout Performers

• Players of the Year (POY): The conference has boasted several standout individual performers. Names such as Darius McGhee and Dallas Moore have been prominent, contributing significantly to their respective teams and leaving a mark on the A-Sun’s competitive landscape.

Conclusion

Overall, the Atlantic Sun Conference has exhibited a pattern of growth and adaptation. While challenges remain in terms of consistently achieving higher win-loss records and competing against tough schedules, individual and team efforts continue to shine. The conference remains a vibrant platform for showcasing emerging talent and competitive collegiate basketball.

Regular Season and Tournament Champions of the Atlantic Sun Conference (A-Sun)

The Atlantic Sun Conference, known for its competitive spirit in collegiate athletics, has showcased a diverse range of champion schools over the years. Here’s a detailed look at some notable regular season and tournament champions throughout the history of the conference:

Recent Standouts

• Eastern Kentucky emerged as the regular season champion for the 2023-24 season, while Stetson triumphed in the tournament.
• Kennesaw State claimed both regular season and tournament victories in 2022-23.

Consistent Performers

• Liberty has frequently appeared as a regular season champion from 2019-20 to 2020-21, also winning the tournament in 2020-21.
• Florida Gulf Coast was the consistent regular season leader in 2016-17 and tournament victor as well.

Historical Champions

• Belmont was a dominant force in the early 2000s, snagging both titles multiple times, including in 2011-12.
• Georgia State and College of Charleston were top competitors in the late 1990s, each showing prowess by taking both titles, such as in the 2000-01 and 1998-99 seasons, respectively.

Others in the Limelight

• Mercer and ETSU have also had their moments of glory, with Mercer achieving victory in the tournament in 2013-14 and ETSU doing the same in 2009-10.
• UCF took regular season and tournament titles in 2004-05.

These achievements reflect the competitive nature of the A-Sun Conference, where schools have consistently battled for top honors, showcasing talent and sportsmanship year after year. Whether through strategic gameplay or standout athletes, each winning team has contributed to the rich history of the conference.

Historical Performance of Seasons in the Atlantic Sun Conference

The Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) has a rich history of competition dating back several decades, with each season offering unique highlights and standout performances. Here’s a detailed look at the conference’s seasonal performances over the years.

Key Metrics Analyzed

Each season is analyzed based on several key metrics:

• Number of Schools Participating
• Wins (W) and Losses (L)
• Win-Loss Percentage (W-L%)
• Simple Rating System (SRS) and Strength of Schedule (SOS) Scores
• Performance in National Tournaments

Season Highlights

1. 2024-25 to 2020-21: These recent seasons demonstrate fluctuations in performance, with the number of schools typically around 9 to 14.
   • The win-loss percentage generally hovers around the .450 to .520 range.
   • Teams like Liberty and Eastern Kentucky have frequently emerged as regular-season champions.
   • Noteworthy players often clinch the Player of the Year (POY) title, exemplifying the individual talent present in the conference.
2. 2019-20 to 2015-16: Marked by competitive play, these years showcase several teams vying for the top position.
   • Liberty and Florida Gulf Coast were dominant forces during these seasons.
   • The conference maintained a balanced SOS and SRS, indicating competitive matches throughout the season.
   • Championship titles often oscillated between familiar names, with player excellence noted across schools.
3. Early 2010s (2014-15 to 2011-12): A period characterized by strong comebacks and surprise victories, where teams like Belmont left a significant mark.
   • Participation ranged between 8 to 12 schools, with many vying for the top spot.
   • The competition remained fierce with emerging talents playing pivotal roles.
4. Late 2000s (2010-11 to 2005-06): Throughout these years, consistent performances by teams such as Belmont and ETSU were noteworthy.
   • A blend of veteran prowess and new strategies drove several underdogs to clinch titles.
   • The seasons were colorfully marked by close finishes and thrilling matches.
5. Early 2000s (2004-05 to 2000-01): Witnessed the evolution of strategies that began to define future plays.
   • Participation touched a high with up to 12 schools at certain times.
   • The period was significant for nurturing key players that later became household names in the league.
6. 1990s (1999-00 to 1990-91): This was a transformative decade where strategies and play styles evolved rapidly.
   • Teams like Georgia Southern showed consistency with back-to-back victories.
   • This was a period of rising stars breaking through and making a name for themselves in college basketball.
7. 1980s (1989-90 to 1978-79): The foundation years when the ASUN laid its athletic groundwork.
   • From humble beginnings with fewer teams to establishing a robust conference structure, the 1980s saw substantial growth in talent and competition levels.
   • The performances steadily improved, setting a legacy for future teams.

Each season of the ASUN is a unique chapter of resilience, competition, and growth, featuring standout teams and players who have consistently contributed to the glory of the conference. Understanding these past performances provides valuable insights into the dynamic nature of college basketball in the ASUN Conference.

How many teams from the Atlantic Sun Conference have participated in the NCAA Tournament?

In the history of the Atlantic Sun Conference
, 43 teams have made it to the NCAA Tournament. Despite sending numerous teams over the years, none have advanced to the Final Four or claimed a championship title.

Who have been the Players of the Year in the Atlantic Sun Conference?

Players of the Year in the Atlantic Sun Conference: The Atlantic Sun Conference has celebrated numerous standout athletes over the years. Here’s a rundown of the athletes who have been recognized as the Player of the Year, reflecting their exceptional performance and contributions to their teams:

• 2023-24: Isaiah Cozart from Stetson
• 2022-23: Darius McGhee, an accomplished player from Kennesaw State
• 2021-22: Darius McGhee continues his impressive performance for Liberty
• 2020-21: Yet again, Darius McGhee, cementing his legacy at Liberty
• 2019-20: Caleb Homesley from Liberty
• 2018-19: Garrison Mathews, another standout from Liberty
• 2017-18: Brandon Goodwin represented Florida Gulf Coast with distinction
• 2016-17: Dallas Moore from Florida Gulf Coast made his mark
• 2015-16: Dallas Moore once again shone for North Florida
• 2014-15: Ty Greene from North Florida
• 2013-14: Langston Hall at Mercer
• 2012-13: Sherwood Brown was Florida Gulf Coast’s star
• 2011-12: Torrey Craig stood out for Belmont
• 2010-11: Mike Smith from Belmont
• 2009-10: Adnan Hodzic from ETSU
• 2008-09: Alex Renfroe became the face of Jacksonville
• 2007-08: Thomas Sanders made a name at Belmont
• 2006-07: Courtney Pigram represented ETSU with excellence
• 2005-06: Tim Smith from Belmont
• 2004-05: Mike Bell shone for UCF
• 2003-04: Greg Davis held the stage for Troy
• 2002-03: Adam Sonn was pivotal at Troy
• 2001-02: Thomas Terrell from Georgia State
• 2000-01: Shernard Long, also from Georgia State
• 1999-00: Detric Golden brought pride to Samford
• 1998-99: Reed Rawlings at Samford
• 1997-98: Sedric Webber and Mark Jones, key figures from College of Charleston
• 1996-97: Anthony Johnson from College of Charleston
• 1995-96: Thaddeous Delaney, another cornerstone for College of Charleston
• 1994-95: Kerry Blackshear represented Florida International with skill
• 1993-94: Marion Busby was notable at UCF
• 1992-93: Kenny Brown stood out for Florida International

Earlier Achievements

• 1991-92: Tony Windless became an icon for Georgia Southern
• 1990-91: Patrick Greer showcased his talent at Georgia State
• 1989-90: Larry Robinson led Centenary (LA)
• 1988-89: Jeff Sanders, a key player from Georgia Southern
• 1987-88: Jeff Sanders further dazzled at UTSA
• 1986-87: Brian Newton made headlines at Georgia Southern
• 1985-86: Myron Jackson was pivotal at Little Rock
• 1984-85: Sam Mitchell displayed his prowess at Mercer
• 1983-84: Willie Jackson, a standout player at Houston Christian
• 1982-83: Willie Jackson once again dominated, this time at Georgia Southern
• 1981-82: Willie Jackson continued his excellence at Louisiana-Monroe
• 1980-81: Benton Wade became a household name at Mercer
• 1979-80: George Lett was notable at Centenary (LA)
• 1978-79: Calvin Natt showcased his skills at Louisiana-Monroe

These players have left a lasting impact on the Atlantic Sun Conference, each marking their era with outstanding achievements and unforgettable performances.

What is the overall win-loss record for the Atlantic Sun Conference?

The Atlantic Sun Conference boasts an overall record of 6,612 wins and 7,062 losses over 47 seasons. It’s worth noting that these statistics don’t take into account any games that were forfeited or vacated.

How many times have Atlantic Sun Conference teams been ranked in the AP Poll?

Atlantic Sun Conference teams have a modest history with the AP Poll rankings. Throughout their time, they haven’t made it into the preseason rankings at all. However, during the regular season, they achieved a spot in the poll on one occasion. When considering the overall number of times they’ve appeared, the tally reaches five.

How many seasons has the Men’s Atlantic Sun Conference been recorded?

The Men’s Atlantic Sun Conference has a recorded history spanning 47 seasons. During this time, the conference teams have achieved an overall record of 6,612 wins to 7,062 losses. Please note that these figures do not account for any games that may have been forfeited or vacated.

Tools and Resources for Analyzing Atlantic Sun Conference Statistics

These are the different ways to unlock a wealth of information and streamline research efforts with a comprehensive suite of tools and resources designed for analyzing Atlantic Sun Conference statistics.

Access Extensive Data

• Conference Index: Navigate effortlessly through the Atlantic Sun Conference with a detailed index that serves as your ultimate guide.
• School Records: Dive deep into individual school statistics, offering insights into performance trends and historical data.
• Coach Profiles: Analyze coaching strategies and achievements to understand the impact of leadership across different teams.
• Player Metrics: Explore accolades like “Players of the Year” to identify standout athletes and their contributions.

Enhance Your Analysis

1. Interactive Leaderboards: Customize leaderboards to compare and contrast player and team performance metrics.
2. Tournament Performance: Evaluate NCAA tournament data to track progress and determine factors that lead to success.

Share and Export Insights

• Table Customization and Export: Tailor tables to match your specific needs and export them in popular formats like Excel or CSV for in-depth analysis.
• Link Generation: Easily generate shareable links to tables, facilitating collaboration and discussion with peers.
• Video Guides: Access instructional videos that offer tips on making the most of the analytical tools available, ensuring you’re equipped to extract valuable insights.

Important Considerations

• Data Usage Terms: Stay informed about the terms of use to ensure compliance while leveraging data effectively.

Leverage these tools and resources to transform raw data into actionable insights, enabling a deeper understanding of the Atlantic Sun Conference dynamics.

NCAA Tournament Eligibility for ASUN Teams

Not all ASUN member schools are eligible to participate in the NCAA Tournament this season. Among the current ASUN roster, some institutions are in the midst of reclassifying from Division II to Division I, which impacts their eligibility for postseason play.

For the 2023-24 season, Queens University of Charlotte and Bellarmine University are the two ASUN programs still transitioning and therefore remain ineligible for the NCAA Tournament. This period of transition, mandated by NCAA regulations, typically spans four years as schools adjust to full Division I membership requirements.

So, while both schools are fully engaged in conference competition and the quest for a conference title, they must wait before joining their peers on the national stage.