JOSH HELTON | Men’s Basketball
Mt. Juliet, Tenn. | Mt. Juliet High School
2004-2008
Helton’s career as a Trojan was marked by consistency, clutch performances, and record-setting achievements that helped define an era of success for Trevecca men’s basketball. Josh Helton | TNU Bio
Helton arrived at Trevecca after a standout career at Mt. Juliet High School, where he scored 1,394 career points.
At Trevecca, Helton became one of the most accomplished guards in program history, finishing his collegiate career with:
· 1,618 total points (sixth all-time scoring)
· 304 made three-pointers (Trevecca record)
· 40.1% three-point shooting (fifth all-time)
· 399 assists (sixth all-time)
· 203 steals (seventh all-time)
· 80.5% free throw shooting over his career
During Helton’s four-year tenure, Trevecca posted an overall record of 93–41, including a 41–19 record in the TranSouth (TSAC), and made three of its five all-time NAIA National Championship appearances, reaching the Sweet 16 each time.
Senior year 2007–08:
Trevecca went 25–10 (14–6 TSAC) and advanced to the NAIA Sweet 16. Helton poured in 552 points, shot 42.5% from three, and was a threat in every game. He scored 20+ points on nine occasions, hit six threes in four different games, and recorded a career-high 34 points on January 7 vs. Crichton College (he had matched a personal best 31 earlier that season vs. Michigan-Dearborn). He also notched one double-double (points and assists). \
Honors: NAIA All-American (Honorable Mention), NAIA All-Tournament First Team, TranSouth First Team, and three TranSouth Player of the Week awards
Junior year 2006–07:
The team went 17–14 (10–8 TSAC). Helton scored a season-high 31 points vs. Lambuth, recorded 20+ points in five games, and had one double-double. He was named to the TranSouth First Team.
Sophomore year 2005–06:
Trevecca posted a 26–7 mark (9–3 TSAC) and earned another NAIA Sweet 16 berth. Helton was twice named TranSouth Player of the Week, made the All-Conference Second Team, and nearly posted a triple-double (10 points, 11 assists, 8 rebounds vs. Union in the TSAC final).
Freshman year 2004–05:
In his debut season, Trevecca went 25–8 (8–2 TSAC) and made the NAIA Sweet 16. Helton scored 20+ in three games, hit five threes in multiple contests, and was named to the TranSouth All-Freshman Team.
Helton’s presence extended beyond raw numbers. He was a versatile combo guard, effective in transition and in half-court sets. Trevecca coach Sam Harris praised Helton’s feel for both guard spots, his scoring ability, and his basketball IQ.
He continued a local tradition of Mt. Juliet High School products excelling for the Trevecca basketball program – former Bears like Tim Bell, David Blandford, Darryl Keckler, Gary Van Atta, Jeremy Dixon and Helton carried forward that lineage while becoming one of the program’s signature players.
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME / PLAQUE
JOSH HELTON
INDUCTED 2025
IN THE CATEGORY OF STUDENT ATHLETE
VARSITY MEN’S BASKETBALL (2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08)
Helton, a record-setting guard from Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, was a three-time NAIA Sweet 16 qualifier and 2008 NAIA All-American. Helton's clutch shooting and leadership helped define one of the golden eras of Trevecca basketball on the Hill. Helton is being inducted posthumously, following his tragic passing in the summer of 2024.
His career statistics include 1,618 points, 304 made three-pointers (TNU record), 40.1% three-point shooting percentage, 399 assists, 203 steals, 80.5% free throw percentage.
Trevecca went 93–41 overall and 41–19 in TranSouth (TSAC) play during his career, making the NAIA National Tournament three times, advancing to the Sweet 16 each time.
AWARDS / HONORS
NAIA All-American (2007-2008)
NAIA All-Tournament First Team (2007-2008)
TranSouth First Team (2007-08, 2006-07)
TranSouth Second Team (2005-06)
TranSouth All-Freshman Team (2004-05)
TranSouth Player of the Week (six times)
In his senior season, the team finished 25–10 (14–6 TSAC) when Helton poured in 552 points, shooting 42.5% from three. He scored 20+ points on nine occasions and recorded a career-high 34 points on January 7, 2008, vs. Crichton
College.
As a junior, Helton scored 20+ points five times, hit six three-pointers twice, and had a season-high 31 points vs. Lambuth. His sophomore season, the team went 26–7 (9–3 TSAC) with a season-high 24 points in the season opener against Michigan-Dearborn. In his debut season, Trevecca went 25–8 (8–2 TSAC), and scored 20+ points three times, including a season-high 23 points twice, and hit five threes in five games.
