A New Chapter for Alcorn State Basketball
Former NBA guard Monta Ellis has been named general manager of the Alcorn State University men’s basketball program, bringing a decade‑long professional career and a deep connection to Mississippi to the role.
Ellis, a Jackson native who starred at Lanier High School before being drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2005, spent 12 seasons in the league, averaging 17.8 points per game and earning the 2006‑07 NBA Most Improved Player award. A proud Mississippi native, he grew up in Jackson and maintains strong family ties to the city, while his collegiate roots trace back to the university’s campus in Lorman.
His arrival coincides with a period of transition for the program; the 2024‑25 squad finished 9‑23 overall and 7‑11 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, a record the university hopes to improve with fresh leadership.
Leadership Voices Praise the Hire
Athletic director E. D'Wayne Robinson highlighted Ellis’s championship experience and his passion for developing young talent, stating that the former guard’s vision aligns with the university’s ambition to compete more strongly in the SWAC.
Ellis himself expressed excitement about returning to his home state, saying he looks forward to collaborating with coaches, staff, alumni and fans as the program moves toward a new direction.