A new leadership era for Alcorn State basketball
Alcorn State University announced on August 7, 2024 that former NBA guard Monta Ellis would assume the role of general manager for its men’s basketball program, entrusting him with roster construction, player evaluation, recruiting strategy, transfer‑portal navigation, NIL coordination, alumni outreach and student‑athlete development.
Ellis, a two‑time Mississippi high‑school champion and 2005 McDonald’s All‑American, bypassed a college commitment to enter the 2005 NBA Draft, where the Golden State Warriors selected him. Over a 12‑year professional career spent with the Warriors, Bucks, Mavericks and Pacers, he averaged 17.8 points per game and captured the 2007 Most Improved Player award.
A player‑first philosophy
Ellis emphasized that his approach centers on developing each athlete’s potential, fostering competitive depth and ensuring that scholarship athletes receive comprehensive support both on and off the court.
He joins a program that finished the previous season with a 9‑23 record under second‑year head coach Jake Morton, who now hopes Ellis’s basketball acumen and mentorship will accelerate the team’s ascent.
In remarks, Ellis described Alcorn State as an institution built on history, tradition and legacy, saying the university’s impact on generations of students aligns with his desire to give back to the community that shaped him.
Looking ahead
With the new leadership in place, Alcorn State aims to leverage its rich athletic heritage to attract top talent from Mississippi and beyond, positioning the program for sustained growth in the coming seasons.