Latest news with #SavannahState
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Clevan Thompson named head coach of the Savannah State men's basketball program
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Savannah State University (SSU) has officially named Clevan Thompson as the head coach of the men's basketball program. Thompson was appointed interim head coach on January 6th after former head coach Horace Broadnax retired midseason. Thompson now becomes the 12th head coach in the history of the program. 'We are pleased to officially announce Coach Thompson as the head coach of our men's basketball program,' Savannah State Director of Athletics Opio Mashariki said. 'He has been an integral part of the team's growth over the past couple of seasons and understands what it takes to build a winning culture. After leading the team to a championship last season, we are confident that he is the right person to lead our program forward.' Thompson coached the Tigers to a 13-6 mark since being named the interim coach, including an unblemished 7-0 mark at home. His team clinched the 2025 SIAC Men's Basketball TournamentChampionship and a berth in the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Tournament. 'I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to represent my alma mater, Savannah State University—a place that has played such a meaningful role in shaping the person I am today,' remarked Coach Thompson. 'It's an honor to give back to a community that has given so much to me.' Thompson is a graduate of Savannah State with a bachelor's degree in computer informationsystems, Thompson has been a part of the SSU men's basketball program since the 2023-2024 season. Savannah State University President Jermaine Whirl had this to say about the appointment: 'Coach Thompson exemplifies the excellence and leadership we strive for at Savannah State. His dedication to our students, his vision for the program, and his commitment to the values of our university make him an outstanding choice. We are proud to have one of our own leading the way.' Prior to returning to SSU, Thompson spent nearly two decades as the head boys' basketball coach at nearby Bethesda Academy, where he led the Blazers to twelve Final Four Appearances and two state championships. His teams claimed the 2012 Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) State Championship and the 2015 South Carolina Independent School (SCISA) Class AAA Title. 'I believe basketball is more than just a game—it's a powerful tool to inspire, teach, and mold young people into hardworking, resilient, and service-minded leaders. My vision is to build a program that not only chases excellence on the court but also leaves a lasting impact off of it. Together, we will strive for a level of success that reflects the pride, passion, and potential of Savannah State like never before,' said Thompson. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former SSU Women's coach reflects on 22 years
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Recently, Savannah State women's basketball coach Cedric Baker decided to leave The Marsh and take on a new role. Baker will be the women's head coach at South Carolina State. WSAV Sports Director Joey Lamar caught up with the head coach to find out what made him leave after 22 seasons. Joey Lamar: Alright, coach, 22 years you were here at Savannah State. Walk me through the decision that actually made you say it's time to make a change. Cedric Baker: It's all about timing, perfect fit and familiarity. Then a challenge, of course, to compete at the Division I level, but a challenge that I'm also up for and prepared for based on my experience when I first got into coaching and then the experience that I received, at Benedict, Voorhees and ultimately Savannah State. JL: What role, if any, did administration play in your decision to leave? CB: The current administration has definitely been supportive. Of course, my direct supervisor is [Savannah State Director of Athletics] Opio Mashariki and then you know the leadership currently now under Dr. [Jermaine] Whirl. But they didn't play a role in this. They've been very supportive, it's definitely a personal decision, but I thank them for an opportunity to represent Savannah State University as the head women's basketball coach. JL: When you think back on 22 years, what are some of the biggest accomplishments that you've had during that time? CB: I give all the wins — give that credit to all the student athletes that I've coached and all the young women I have coached. I take full responsibility for the losses. And of course, you can always go back and reflect and review on some of those games. But of course, you know, the great memories really stand out. We had a victory against the University of Florida right here in Tiger Arena. I always remember that win against Georgia Southern and Kemetrius Hill scoring 36 points. Of course, going to the MEAC tournament and in 2015 playing Maryland Eastern Shore in that championship game. Also, in the NCAA tournament playing against South Carolina and then we hosted a lot of Power 5 teams right here in Tiger Arena. JL: And then on the flip side, what are some areas where you maybe have some regret or things that you could have done better or areas or games where you thought that you could have won or wanted to win? CB: Each and every day I came to work here at Savannah State, I encouraged the young ladies to strive for excellence. So passing up this opportunity, in my opinion, would not have been a good example for them because I want them to strive to play at the highest level. If that opportunity presents itself domestically or if it's internationally, just like Ezinne Kalu came from Savannah State to play in the WNBA. So that's what I encourage them to do. JL: What do you think the future of this program is? Do you have any recommendations on who should be the next coach? CB: Currently, Coach [Prescott] Mack, he's my assistant coach. I definitely encourage him to apply for the position. I've had some great coaches over my tenure here at Savannah State. They know what right looks like. They understand the culture. They understand the processes. I think any of those assistant coaches that have been under my supervision or under my tutelage, they're well qualified and also former student athletes that I have coached, I think they'll be interested in the position as well. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Veteran coach takes on new challenge after 22 years at HBCU
College Sports Veteran coach takes on new challenge after 22 years at HBCU ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Veteran and championship coach Cedric Baker has been named the new South Carolina State head HBCU women's basketball coach during a press conference by Interim Athletics Director Oliver 'Buddy' Pough, announced Monday (May 6). 'At this pivotal moment in the future of our women's basketball program, we believe Coach Baker is the right person to lead us forward,' Pough said. 'His experience, vision, and values align with our mission of developing student-athletes who excel on and off the court.' Baker joins SC State after an extraordinary 22-year tenure at Savannah State, where he built the HBCU program, which was defined by excellence, discipline, and historic achievement. 'I'm excited to join the South Carolina State family and eager to begin building something special with the student-athletes, staff, and supporters here in Orangeburg, 'said Baker. During his career, his legacy includes guiding three collegiate programs to six national tournament appearances, nine regular season and conference tournament championships, several outstanding Coach of the Year awards, and the development of several elite student-athletes. Coach Baker's most recent record-breaking milestones: Producing Savannah State's only WNBA player and women's basketball Olympian, Ezinne Kalu Recording the most single-season wins (27-3), and a historic 14-0 season start Achieving two perfect Academic Performance Rating scores of 1000 Achieved the program's highest Division II national rankings in both the WBCA and the NCAA South Region polls Securing key wins over major programs. Including the University of Florida, Georgia Southern University, University of Central Florida, East Carolina, Troy University, and University of Louisiana-Lafayette Most Division I wins in Savannah State's program history MEAC Tournament Ring Recipients of 2015 MEAC Tournament Outstanding Coach of 2015. Beyond the numbers, Baker brings a proven commitment to academic integrity, player development, and championship-level performance. A leader who builds culture and winning teams. His confidence will have an immediate and lasting impact at South Carolina State. A 1990 graduate of Voorhees College, he earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and applied sciences. At Voorhees, he was a four-year basketball letterman and a member of the 1987 Voorhees Men's Basketball EAIC Championship team. The post Veteran coach takes on new challenge after 22 years at HBCU appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025 This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 9:53 AM.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
SSU women's head coach accepts same position at SC State
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — The Savannah State women's basketball coach resigned and accepted the same position at South Carolina State. Cedric Baker led the program for the past 22 seasons. In 2015, they won the MEAC tournament title, which was the first in the school's history. Their best finish in the SIAC under Baker was runners-up during the 2021-2022 season. Coach Baker amassed 262 while leading the Orange and Blue. 'It's a great place where some of your best coaches have worked and been produced from this university,' Baker said in an interview after the press conference. 'So it was just a perfect fit for me, a great brand, huge brand, a fan base that really loves women's basketball. And that's what I'm about. It's about growing the sport at another university. Coach Baker returns back to the MEAC where he is very familiar with the lay of the land. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
USA Today
30-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former LSU five-star tight end Arik Gilbert transfers to school in Georgia
Former LSU five-star tight end Arik Gilbert transfers to school in Georgia Ex-LSU, Georgia and Nebraska tight end Arik Gilbert is set to be part of the team at Savannah State this year, a source tells @CBSSports/@247Sports. The former top-10 recruit, who hasn't played in a game since 2022, took part in spring ball at Savannah. — Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) April 29, 2025 Former LSU football tight end Arik Gilbert will give it a go at his fourth school this fall. According to a report from CBS Sports and 247Sports, Gilbert is set to spend the 2025 season with Savannah State. The former five-star and top-10 recruit participated in spring ball with Savannah State, but Gilbert has not seen game action since 2022. Gilbert started his career at LSU in 2020, but left the program before the season was over. Gilbert then transferred to Georgia, where he won a national title but played sparingly. Following his time with the Dawgs, Gilbert went to Nebraska, but didn't see the field. Gilbert signed with the Cornhuskers before spring ball in 2023 but faced off-field trouble with the Huskers, including being arrested on a burglary charge when police found him with over $1,600 worth of vape products in August 2023. The best year of Gilbert's career came as a true freshman with the Tigers. He caught 35 passes for 368 yards and two touchdowns but couldn't establish himself with the Bulldogs. Gilbert played 31 offensive snaps and caught two passes in 2022, his last game action. Coming out of high school, Gilbert was considered one of the best tight end prospects in the history of the sport. Gilbert was the Gatorade Player of the Year and led Marietta High School to a Georgia 7-A state title. His talent was evident as a true freshman at LSU, and his future looked bright. As Gilbert enters his "fifth" year of college football, he'll look to get back on the field at Savannah State.
