Monta Ellis named Alcorn State men’s basketball general manager

Alcorn State announced Aug. 7 that former NBA guard Monta Ellis has been named general manager of its men’s basketball program, effective immediately, the school said.

Alcorn State said Ellis is a native of Jackson who played at Lanier High School and was selected in the second round of the 2005 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors. The school said Ellis spent 12 seasons in the NBA with the Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers, was the league’s Most Improved Player in 2007 and finished his career averaging 17.8 points, 4.6 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game.

The university said Ellis’ duties will include assisting with roster construction, player evaluations, high school and transfer portal recruiting, and helping players secure name, image and likeness opportunities. Alcorn State also said he will serve as a mentor and resource for student-athletes navigating life on and off the court.

Ellis said in the announcement, “Today marks the beginning of an incredible new chapter, and I’m truly honored and excited to be named the general manager for men’s basketball at Alcorn State University. Alcorn isn’t just a university. It’s a place built on history, tradition, excellence, and a legacy that has impacted generations.” Athletic director E. D’Wayne Robinson said Ellis is the “perfect addition” and that “Monta’s name alone opens doors for our program, from the recruiting trail to the national stage,” the school said.

The announcement said Alcorn State has not made the NCAA Tournament since 2002 and is seeking its first winning season since 2022-23, when the Braves won the Southwestern Athletic Conference regular-season championship. The hire follows Jackson State’s June announcement that it had hired former NBA center Kendrick Perkins as part of a trend of Mississippi HBCUs adding former professional players to their staffs, Alcorn State said.

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