Larry Smith out as Alcorn State's basketball coach‎

LORMAN, Mississippi -- Alcorn State has announced that Larry Smith will not return for a fourth season as head basketball coach at his alma mater, but will take a new role as director of athletic development.

Smith went 12-78 in three seasons, including a 4-24 mark this season, when the Braves failed to make the SWAC tournament field. Smith has one year left on his $125,000 per year coaching contract. Here is the Press Release...

Alcorn President Brown announces promotions in Athletics and Advancement

Alcorn State University announces the promotion of Larry Smith’80, distinguished alumni, former NBA player and Braves head basketball coach is moving from the court floor to the front office. Smith is the new director of athletic development and will be reporting to Stephen L. McDaniel, vice president of Institutional Advancement.

“He is just a very solid athletic personality who has a good track record of working with and developing players,” says Dr. Norris Allen Edney, current acting dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. “He is a level-headed person of high character. It is always good to have a strong presence in the front office.”

“Coach Smith has a great deal of fundraising experience,” says President M. Christopher Brown II, Ph.D. “His experience and relationships will align perfectly with the restructuring of Institutional Advancement and give the University a strong advantage.” Brown also referenced the need to construct a facility named in honor of legendary former Alcorn Football Coach Marino Casem. Smith is extremely optimistic about his newest challenge on behalf of Alcorn athletics.

Recently, Dr. Ruth Nichols, former special assistant to the president, joined Institutional Advancement as the director of external relations. “Alcorn has many talented employees and our goal is to find individuals with experiences in complimentary areas,” says Vice President McDaniel. “I am grateful to Dr. Brown for his leadership and knowing the importance of fundraising in advancing the University’s mission.”

Another significant appointment President Brown announced today is the transfer and promotion of Shundera Perteet to business manager for the Department of Athletics. Perteet has more than a decade of experience in University administration in the offices of the Executive Vice President and Academic Affairs. Her initial responsibilities will include the 2012 academic budget and finalization of ticket packages for the upcoming Alcorn athletic season.

Smith, a 1980 alum with a bachelor’s degree in business, spent 13 seasons (1980-1993) in the NBA, playing for the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs. Smith received NBA All-Rookie Team Honors in 1981, and became one of the best rebounders in the 1980s. He had career averages of 9.2 rebounds and 25.9 minutes per game.

He worked as an assistant coach with the Rockets in 1993-94 and 1994-95, helping them capture their back-to-back NBA titles. After serving as the head coach of the Anaheim Arsenal and as an assistant coach for the Austin Toros during the 2006-07 NBA D-League season, Smith was hired to be an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women’s National Basketball Association for the 2008 season. In May 2008 he was hired to be the head coach for Alcorn.

Senior Women Administrator LLJuna Weir will lead the search committee for the selection of a new head basketball coach. “Alcorn believes in excellence,” says Weir. “We are committed to this process and have the full support of the University administration.”

Athletic Director Brenda Square says, “It has been a pleasure working with Coach Smith and I look forward to working with him to generate much needed resources for our athletic programs.”

Applications will be accepted until March 25, 2011, individuals interested in applying for the position of Head Men’s Basketball Coach are encouraged to visit www.alcorn.edu and send their resume, ASU Employment application, three letters of recommendations, official college transcripts and other supporting information to the following address:

Office of Human Resources
Attention: Head Men’s Basketball Coach
1000 ASU Drive #390

Alcorn State, MS 39096-7500

Additional information forthcoming about the search process, contact Chief of Staff Marcus Ward at 601.877.6111, if you have questions.

Alcorn beats rival Jackson State 81-75

ASU Braves Coach Larry Smith

LORMAN, MS — Alcorn State took the lead with 1:25 left in the second half over SWAC rival Jackson State with a three-pointer by Marquiz Baker. The late shot put Alcorn up 73-71 and they were able to close out the visiting Tigers with an 81-75 victory.

“Jackson State is a good team, they’re solid. Our defense did a great job, we shut them down in terms of percentage,” head coach Larry Smith said. “Our kids played hard for 40 minutes and we stepped up down the stretch.”

Early in the game, the Braves led by as many as 10 as the offense took advantage of many put backs and fast breaks points. Meanwhile, the defense contested every shot well, not allowing the Tigers to have any open looks at the basket.

JSU Turnovers lead to Alcorn State Lady Braves 66-54 win

The Lady Braves of Alcorn State defeated conference rival Jackson State 66-54. Alcorn, now 7-12 (6-4), outscored the Lady Tigers despite shooting a lower field goal percentage. However, the Lady Braves were more efficient from with three-pointers and from the free throw line.

The Lady Braves shot 50 percent from downtown, making eight while shooting 20-29 from the free throw line.

Baker, Braves ambush Tigers

Not this time, Marquiz Baker told Jackson State. Not this time. Baker, Alcorn State's fiery shooting guard, scored 23 points - seven of those coming inside 2 minutes - and the Braves beat Jackson State 81-75 on Saturday night, upsetting the conference-leading Tigers and breaking a seven-game losing streak to their bitter rivals.

Said Baker: "I was determined not to let Jackson State beat us at home this time."

The conference's ninth- place team entering the day, Alcorn State (3-17, 3-8 Southwestern Athletic Conference) rarely trailed and knocked off the the Tigers (12-10, 8-2) three weeks after losing to them by 26 points in Jackson.

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Videographer: UrbanSportsITG; Valley vs. JSU 2/3/11