Robert Covington, a former NBA guard who also earned a place in the Tennessee State University Athletics Hall of Fame, has been appointed Chief Basketball Officer at Tennessee State University. The new position places him at the intersection of player relations, community outreach, and strategic partnership development for the university’s basketball program.
A Legacy of Excellence
Covington’s collegiate tenure spanned from 2009 to 2013, during which he appeared in 118 games, starting 112 of them, and posted average numbers of 14.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals per contest. His performances earned him three All‑OVC selections, first‑team honors in the 2011‑12 season, and the CollegeInsider.com OVC co‑MVP award in 2012, while also securing two BOXTOROW HBCU All‑American recognitions.
After going undrafted in 2013, Covington carved out a professional career that included stints with the Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers, as well as time in the NBA Development League where he was named Rookie of the Year and earned All‑Star Game MVP honors. In the NBA he accumulated 614 regular‑season appearances, averaging 10.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists, and was recognized with an All‑Defensive First Team selection in 2018 and a career‑high 43‑point outing that set a Clippers franchise record.
His responsibilities as Chief Basketball Officer will focus on fostering the professional, social and personal growth of TSU athletes, acting as a liaison between the players, their families and the program, and cultivating community engagement and strategic partnerships that can elevate the visibility and resources of TSU basketball.
TSU head coach Nolan Smith praised the appointment, describing Covington as a pivotal figure in the program’s history and a key component of its future, noting the value of his NBA experience and deep connection to the university.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for TSU basketball, aiming to enhance player development, expand program growth beyond the court, and strengthen the university’s broader athletic identity within the community and collegiate landscape.