Monta Ellis, a Jackson, Mississippi native, was announced as the new general manager of Alcorn State’s men’s basketball program, bringing a blend of professional playing experience and front‑office acumen to the historically Black college.
From Court to Campus Leadership
Ellis’s NBA career spanned stints with the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks, where he posted career averages of 17.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists. Selected 40th overall in the 2005 draft, he helped the Mavericks reach the playoffs in 2014 and 2015 before transitioning to administrative roles at several HBCUs.
Before joining Alcorn State, Ellis served as a general manager at Jackson State and Howard, where he oversaw player development, academic support and community outreach. He is known for emphasizing success on the court, in the classroom and in life beyond basketball.
The program’s recent performance adds urgency to his mission. Under first‑year head coach Jake Morton, the Braves posted a 9‑23 overall record and a 7‑11 mark in the SWAC, marking one of the program’s toughest seasons in recent memory.
Ellis plans to leverage his connections in the Magnolia State to strengthen recruiting pipelines, drawing on his own high‑school triumphs at Lanier High, where he captured two state titles. He believes that a focused approach to talent acquisition and player development can quickly turn the team’s fortunes around.
His hiring reflects a broader trend of former NBA players moving into administrative positions at HBCUs, a movement that promises to bring heightened visibility and resources to these institutions while providing former pros with a platform to give back to their communities.