LORMAN, Miss. – Alcorn Men's Basketball announced on Friday, August 7, the hiring of former NBA guard Monta Ellis as the new General Manager of the Braves men's basketball program, effective immediately.
Ellis, a Jackson, Mississippi native, brings 12 years of NBA experience to the Braves' coaching staff after a standout professional career that began when the Golden State Warriors selected him in the second round (40th overall) of the 2005 NBA Draft. Over parts of 12 NBA seasons with the Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers, respectively, the Lanier High product established himself as one of the league's most dynamic scorers, finishing his career with 14,858 points (17.8 per game), 3,856 assists and 2,874 rebounds.
"Today marks the beginning of an incredible new chapter, and I'm truly honored and excited to be named the General Manager for Men's Basketball at Alcorn State University," said Ellis on Friday morning. "Alcorn isn't just a university. It's a place built on history, tradition, excellence, and a legacy that has impacted generations."
Among Ellis' career accolades:
- NBA Most Improved Player (2007)
- Career scoring average of 17.8 points per game
- More than 14,800 career points scored
- McDonald's All-American and Mr. Basketball USA honors coming out of Lanier High School in Jackson, Miss. (2005)
"As someone who believes in developing people on and off the court, I'm excited to help build a championship culture for our student-athletes to succeed in basketball, in the classroom, and – more importantly, in life," added Ellis. "Thank you to everyone who has believed in me throughout my journey.
"I'm ready to get to work, embrace the challenge, and represent Braves Nation with pride."
Ellis joins an Alcorn Men's Basketball program looking to build on last season, in which the Braves finished 9-23 overall and 7-11 in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play under first-year head coach
Jake Morton. The Braves advanced to the second round of the SWAC Tournament with a 77-65 win over No. 10 seed Alabama State.
"Monta Ellis brings a championship pedigree and a wealth of basketball knowledge to our program, and we're thrilled to welcome him to the Alcorn State family," said
E. D'Wayne Robinson, Athletic Director at Alcorn. "His experience at the highest level of the game, combined with his passion for developing young talent, makes him the perfect addition to our basketball leadership."
No stranger to the "Magnolia State", Ellis won a pair of MHSAA 4-A state titles with Lanier High in Jackson, Mississippi, compiling a 68-7 record across the 2002 and '05 on the way to the championships. He also led the Bulldogs to a state runner-up finish as a junior. In all, Ellis amassed 4,167 points in his prep career, averaging 38.4 points per game en route to be named EA Spots National Player of the Year.
Ellis' responsibilities as General Manager will include assisting with roster construction, player evaluation, recruiting strategy, transfer portal decisions, NIL opportunities, alumni and donor relationships, as well as the overall development of student-athletes. He will also serve as a mentor and resource for players as they prepare for success both on and off the court.
"I am extremely excited to welcome Monta to the Alcorn State Men's Basketball staff as our General Manager," said a thrilled
Jake Morton, recently completing his first year at the helm in Lorman. "He brings a wealth of basketball knowledge, professional experience, and a strong connection to the state of Mississippi. His addition is a major step forward for our program, and will have a tremendous impact on our student-athletes, Alcorn as a university, the Jackson-Lorman-Vicksburg-Natchez areas, and communities throughout the state."
Beyond that, Alcorn officials expect Ellis' name recognition and NBA pedigree to raise the program's profile on the national recruiting trail.
A Mississippi native with more than a decade of NBA experience, Ellis is expected to leverage his relationships across the basketball world – from AAU and high school circuits to NBA and collegiate networks, in order to help the Braves attract higher-caliber talent to Lorman. His hire is also expected to bring increased media attention and exposure to Alcorn Men's Basketball – both regionally and nationally, further establishing the program's brand within the SWAC and HBCU basketball landscape.
"Monta's name alone opens doors for our program, from the recruiting trail to the national stage," continued Robinson. "He understands what it takes to compete and win at the highest level, and that perspective will be invaluable as we continue building a roster capable of competing for SWAC championships here in Lorman."
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