PANAMA CITY, Fla. — The next stop in Trent Lincoln’s basketball journey is Gulf Coast State, but his path has already covered plenty of ground across Florida and beyond. From Tampa’s Wharton High to prep stops like Huntington Prep and PHS Academy, Lincoln’s story has always been about progression — getting sharper, stronger, and smarter at every level.

Last season, the 6’3 combo guard made his presence felt at Chipola College, one of the most respected programs in the NJCAA. He averaged efficient shooting numbers across the board — connecting on 47% from the field and 33% from deep — while balancing scoring and playmaking duties. His blend of burst and body control allowed him to attack the paint, collapse defenses, and create opportunities for others.

Lincoln’s performance earned him All-Region honors in the FCSAA, a nod to his consistency in one of the nation’s toughest JUCO conferences. In one of his standout performances, he poured in 19 points to lead Chipola past a ranked Gulf Coast State squad, the very program he’ll now represent.

Off the court, Lincoln’s name started drawing attention from Division I programs. Monmouth and Stephen F. Austin both extended offers during the summer recruiting window, recognizing his potential as a dynamic two-way guard capable of running an offense or scoring in spurts. His next chapter at Gulf Coast provides the perfect stage to refine his leadership and efficiency against top Panhandle competition.

At 6’3 with a wiry frame, Lincoln thrives in up-tempo settings. He’s at his best pushing the pace, creating off the dribble, and making quick reads out of the pick-and-roll. His ability to get two feet in the paint puts pressure on defenses, and with continued growth in his outside shooting and free-throw consistency, he projects as a complete offensive threat.

Defensively, Lincoln brings length and agility, traits that should allow him to guard multiple positions and contribute immediately in Gulf Coast’s system. Coaches around the region describe him as “a competitor with real poise,” and that demeanor has carried him through every stage of his career so far.

As the 2025–26 season approaches, Trent Lincoln’s move to Gulf Coast State represents both a new challenge and a continuation of his climb. He’s already proven he can score, create, and lead at the JUCO level — now, he’s aiming to turn that production into wins and another step closer to a Division I opportunity.

Gulf Coast fans will get to see a guard who combines skill with purpose — and whose best basketball is still ahead of him.

Written by Paul Garwood
Photo credit: Prep Hoops