Southern athletic director Roman Banks ends first major coaching search with hiring of Kerrick Jackson

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- When Roman Banks officially presented Kerrick Jackson with his No. 45 Southern baseball jersey on Tuesday, it ushered in a new era for Southern baseball after the retirement of longtime coach Roger Cador two months ago.

But the announcement also ends an important period at Southern, putting to rest the first coaching search since Banks was named full-time athletic director last spring.

Before Tuesday, Banks never hired a coach for a major sport while serving as interim athletic director for two years or since being promoted to full-time director earlier this year.

The only hirings he made during that time were soccer coach Jeremy Fontenot last summer and promoting former assistant Morris Scott as Banks’ successor in men’s basketball.

“It’s like being out there on the basketball court trying to win a championship,” Banks said. “But right now, instead of talking about Xs and Os, I’m talking about the whole athletic department. … I try, as the athletic director, to give the alumni, the students, the baseball alumni — everybody — what it deserves and that’s a winning product.”

CONTINUE READING

GSU's Broderick Fobbs feels there is still room for improvement for Kincade

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Grambling quarterback DeVante Kincade helped lead the Tigers to the HBCU national title and was the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2016, accounting for 35 total touchdowns last season.He was also just named the SWAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Despite the hype and past success, Grambling head coach Broderick Fobbs feels there is still room for improvement.

Broderick Fobbs said, "He did a really good job this offseason of really looking at himself on film, and he saw where he made a lot of mistakes. Really, truely what's scary is he left a lot on the table. So, there's a lot of growth there, but also we have to grow as a team as well because we have some new pieces to the puzzle, and we have to fit those pieces in well in order to be successful."

Kincade and the Tigers will open the season on September 2nd against Tulane in New Orleans.

CONTINUE READING

Smith Named Media Preseason Player of the Year, TSU Tigers Picked Third

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State football team was picked to finish third in the Preseason Media Poll for the Ohio Valley Conference, while redshirt-senior wide receiver Patrick Smith was selected as the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.

The Tigers received 112 total points; including two first place votes, to finish behind defending champion Jacksonville State (141) and UT Martin (120). TSU is picked ahead of Eastern Illinois (96), Tennessee Tech (70), Murray State (62), Eastern Kentucky (61), Southeast Missouri (33) and Austin Peay (25).

Tennessee State finished 7-4, 4-3 in the OVC, placing fourth a season ago after being picked to finish sixth in the 2016 preseason media poll. Head coach Rod Reed enters his eighth season and will rely on 60 returners from last year's team, including seven offensive and eight defensive starters.

Smith was a first team All-OVC selection in 2016 after leading the team in receptions (61), yards (966) and touchdowns (13) while starting all 11 games at wide receiver. Smith’s touchdown mark also led all OVC receivers. The Memphis, Tenn. Product reeled in a pass in all eleven games, extending his streak to 21 games over the first two years of his career.

The Tigers will report for fall camp on July 26 in preparation for a trip to Atlanta, Ga. to face Georgia State on Aug. 31.



2017 Media OVC Preseason Football Predicted Order of Finish
1. Jacksonville State (13 first-place votes) - 141 points
2. UT Martin (1) - 120
3. Tennessee State (2) - 112
4. Eastern Illinois - 96
5. Tennessee Tech - 70
6. Murray State - 62
7. Eastern Kentucky - 61
8. Southeast Missouri - 33
9. Austin Peay - 25

2017 Media OVC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Patrick Smith (WR), Tennessee State
2017 Media OVC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Darius Jackson (DE), Jacksonville State

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Le'Coe Willingham Named Head Women's Basketball Coach at Fort Valley State

FORT VALLEY, Georgia -- Fort Valley State University's Director of Athletics Dr. Darryl Pope has announced that Le'Coe Willingham a 10-year WNBA veteran as the Lady Wildcats next Head Women's Basketball Coach on July 17, 2017.

"It is our pleasure to welcome Coach Le'Coe Willingham to the Fort Valley State family and Wildcat Country, said Pope, "She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will move our program in the right direction. She has the ability to motivate players on and off the court."

Willingham comes to Fort Valley State after serving as the women's assistant coach at Tennessee State University and served as TSU's individual post coach, defensive coordinator, and helped with recruiting. She was an integral part in Tennessee State capturing their first OVC Championship in over 20 years and earning an automatic bid to the 2014-2015 National Tournament. Under Le'Coe's leadership as defensive coordinator, the Tigers were the number one defensive team in the conference.

In 2014-2015, Willingham helped develop Chelsea Hudson, an undersized post player who achieve one of her best seasons averaging 14.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game on her way to earning BOXTOROW All-American Honors, as well as All-OVC Second Team and All-Tournament Team. Willingham also helped four other Tigers earn All-OVC honors; Rachel Allen and Brianna Morrow earned the 2015 All-OVC Tournament Team honors. Imani Davis and Jayda Johnson earned the 2016 All-OVC Second Team.

A native of Augusta, Ga., and former Hephzibah High School standout, Willingham played her last season with the Atlanta Dream in 2013. Willingham was a three-time All-SEC selection out of Auburn, but went undrafted before being signed by Connecticut, where she spent the first four years of her career (2004-07). She then spent two seasons with the Phoenix Mercury (2008-09) and two in Seattle (2010-11).

Willingham's best seasons came in Phoenix, where she averaged 10.1 points and 5.9 rebounds in 2008, and 10.0 points and 4.2 boards in 2009. She set a franchise record for field goal percentage in 2008, by making a league-leading 57.0 percent of her shots. She helped the Mercury to a WNBA championship in 2009 and also was a key reserve for the 2010 Seattle team that defeated Atlanta in the WNBA Finals.

Prior to her stint with the Dream, Willingham was a member of the Chicago Sky where she averaged 18.5 minutes per game – sixth highest on the team. She appeared in all but one game, averaging 3.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and one assist per game.

A standout athlete at Auburn, Willingham is the program's seventh all-time scorer and sixth all-time rebounder. She is among Auburn's top ten career leaders in starts, points, field goals made, field goal percentage, free-throws made, free-throws attempted and rebounds. While attending Hephzibah High School, she won the 1998 AAAA Georgia State Women's State High Jump Title.

At the conclusion of her professional career, Willingham returned to Auburn to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing her Masters in Professional Counseling with an emphasis in Trauma.

Media Advisory: Fort Valley State University will host a news conference at a later date to introduce Coach Le'Co Willingham as its new woman's head basketball coach.

For questions or additional information, contact Director of Sports Information Willie K. Patterson, Jr. at 478-825-6437 (office) or pattersonw@fvsu.edu.

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

CIAA looking to increase Southwest Virginia presence

ROANOKE, Virginia -- Now that the CIAA has extended its football championship contract with Salem through 2019, talk has turned to a greater Southwest Virginia presence on CIAA rosters.

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, based in Charlotte, held its football media day Thursday at the Sheraton Roanoke Hotel and Conference Center, a few miles from Salem Stadium, the home of the CIAA’s Nov. 11 title game.

Winston-Salem State defeated Bowie State 43-33 in last year’s conference title game, which was moved when Salem was named the replacement location for Durham, North Carolina, in October 2016. That move was the result of the league moving its North Carolina-based championships in reaction to the state’s HB2 law.

“I thought it worked out really well,” said Kermit Blount, a past president of the CIAA football coaches’ association who is entering his third season as the head coach at Johnson C. Smith in Charlotte.

Blount has worked at historically black colleges throughout his career, including head coaching stops at Delaware State and Winston-Salem State, which is his alma mater.  Blount was a spectator at last year’s CIAA title game.

CONTINUE READING

Wiley College Introduces MacNeill as Head Volleyball Coach

Mike MacNeill is the first male head coach in Wiley Volleyball program history

MARSHALL, Texas -- On Friday at Alumni Gymnasium, Wiley College made history by introducing their first male women's volleyball head coach Mike MacNeill during a press conference.

"I have plans to help this program get back to winning conference championships and competing for NAIA Championships," MacNeill said. "I believe with the standards and expectations I have for our players, they will rise to the occasion."

MacNeill replaces LaKyva Bason – who went 28-18 in her second stint as coach and led the Lady Wildcats to two Red River Athletic Conference Semifinal Appearances. MacNeill joins the Wiley College coaching staff after spending two years as a high school boys' volleyball coach at Riverside Poly in California. The school hadn't won a match before MacNeill took over. He went 38-12 and guided Riverside Poly to the CIF Southern Section Championship semifinals.

Prior to Riverside Poly, MacNeill was the girls' volleyball coach at Martin Luther High School in Riverside, California. He led them to the CIF Southern Section Division 1A Quarterfinals and Semifinals in 2013 and 2014.

MacNeill excelled as a volleyball player – playing all positions on the court. He helped Clovis High School won back to back CIF Championships in his junior and senior season. He led California Baptist University to two NAIA Championships.

Wiley College Athletic Director Dr. Joseph Morale – who is also the Vice President for Student Affairs and Retention Services - explained why MacNeill was the perfect candidate for Wiley College.

"I realized that he was competitive knowledgeable and passionate," Morale said. "I knew he was the one when he referred to his family, there was a joy, and love that you cannot fake. He loves his wife and kids and he will love and care for his players."

The Lady Wildcats return nine from last season's 18-12 team which finished third in the Red River Athletic Conference with a 10-4 record and reached the conference semifinals. Returning players Alissa Johnson (FR/Beaumont, Texas) – who was a RRAC All-Conference Honorable Mention – and Kaylee Nickerson – who redshirt last season – were present.

"I feel like he is focused," Johnson said. "I feel like he can get on the court with us and dive for balls. Since he played all positions, he can help everyone."

MacNeill is excited to work with his new team.

"This group is something special," MacNeill said. "When I spoke to them on the phone, they said wanted to be challenged more and disciplined more. All the things that I'm going to bring, they were excited about it."

He is married to Holly MacNeill. Together they have two children Blake and Elizabeth. The MacNeill era begins on August 18 at the RRAC and Sooner Athletic Conference Crossover Tournament. MacNeill's first home game will be 6 p.m. August 29 against Mid-America Christian.

WILEY COLLEGE WILDCATS SPORTS INFORMATION

Two Impact Signees Join Bethune-Cookman Hoops

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Bethune-Cookman University men's basketball Head Coach Ryan Ridder is pleased to announce two additions to the program in JUCO signees Armani Collins and David Francis.

"Collins is a 6-6 guard from the City College of San Francisco and we are excited about his abilities to stretch the floor," said Ridder. "He has similarities to Brandon Tabb in that he has a quick, high release and can shoot it from deep. He has experience at the Division 1 level and being a significant contrinuter for a very good junior college team."

In 31 games last season, Collins averaged 11 points-per-game and 4.4 rebounds-per-game. He shot 37.6% from three and 86.7% at the free-throw line. Collins also collected 18 steals and 24 blocks. His season-bests were a 25-point, 5-9 three-point shooting performance on Mar. 9 against Antelope Valley.

Collins signed with Portland State out of Stuart Hall High School in San Francisco. As a senior in 2016, he averaged 19.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per-game in leading Stuart Hall to a 30-4 record and perfect 10-0 mark in league play. He was named First Team All-Division 5 and Fifth Team All-NorCal by Max Preps. As a junior, Collins averaged 18.0 points and 7.9 rebounds per-game. He was team MVP as a junior and a senior and graduated holding the record for career scoring at Stuart Hall.

"Francis is a 6-6 forward from the College of Southern Maryland and originally from the Brooklyn, N.Y.," said Ridder. "He brings a relentless motor, toughness, and maturity from dealing with some off the court issues that made him grow up more than most young people have to. We are excited about the experience and toughness that he brings."

Francis joins the Wildcats after averaging 17 points and 8.8 rebounds-per-game for the Hawks last season. In 32 games, he shot 52.7% from the floor and 33.3% beyond-the-arc. The forward ranked 11th nationally with 117 offensive rebounds, and was 22nd with 283 total boards. Francis also blocked 34 shots and totaled 31 steals. He had a season-high of 16 rebounds twice and scored 20 or more points in 12 contests, with two 27-point outbursts for his season-highs.

He was named Second Team All-Region XX, Honorable Mention All-MD JUCO team and Region XX Tournament MVP. The Empire State native attended the Boys & Girls High School.

"They are both quality young men and we are excited to see what they can bring to Bethune-Cookman men's basketball," said Ridder.



BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Southern's Danny Johnson is ready to be a leader in a veteran defensive backfield

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern's Danny Johnson led the Football Championship Subdivision with seven interceptions in 2016.

Not good enough. His goal was 10.

Johnson finished with the fourth-most total tackles and had by far the most solo tackles on the Jaguars defense last year.

Not good enough. He could have been in better position to make more stops.

Given a significant boost by Johnson, Southern finished with a Southwestern Athletic Conference record of 8-1.

Not good enough — in more ways than one.

Heading into the 2017 season, Johnson isn’t assuming a new leadership role or taking on any duties he didn't have the past three years. He has been one of the best defenders, if not the best, and a defensive leader for the Jaguars since he first stepped on campus in the summer of 2014.

But as a senior, Johnson is now the unquestioned face of the Southern defense. And while nothing may ever be good enough for a player who constantly pushes himself to be his best, that isn’t going to stop him from trying.



CONTINUE READING

S.C. STATE FOOTBALL: Pough likes stable of runners

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- Historically, South Carolina State has been the most dominant running team in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Bulldog runners have been among the league’s top rushers since the inception of the league.

And, until last season, the MEAC career rushing leader was a Bulldog – William “Will” Ford, who amassed 4,672 yards during his career (2006-2009). North Carolina A&T’s Tarik Cohen surpassed Ford’s mark in 2016.

S.C. State's Ford, second; Michael Hicks (1993-1995), fourth; and David “DeShawn” Baker (2003-2006), sixth, rank among the MEAC’s top-10 rushing leaders. This dynamic Bulldog trio combined for nine 1,000-plus-yard rushing seasons and went over the 100-yard single-game rushing mark a combined 22 times.

However, 1,000-yard rushing seasons and 100-yard games have been a rarity since the departure of Hicks, Baker and Ford. The last back to reach the 1,000-yard rushing plateau in a season was Jalen “Scoot” Simmons – now with the Carolina Panthers – who achieved the feat in 2014. And the last back to go over the 100-yard rushing mark in single game was Bishop Ford last season.

Reaching such rushing milestones is certainly noteworthy, but you don’t have to have a 1,000-yard rusher to be effective on offense anymore. Strategies have evolved and the “throw” game has come into play, according to Bulldog head coach Buddy Pough, who is pleased at the stable of running backs S.C. State will have in 2017.

CONTINUE READING

Former Skyline star DeVante Kincade now tearing it up at Grambling State

DALLAS, Texas -- Former Skyline quarterback DeVante Kincade had a great first season at Grambling State, where he accounted for 3,286 yards of offense and 35 touchdowns and was named the Southwestern Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

Now he's preparing for his senior season, and he's the SWAC Offensive Preseason Player of the Year. He's expected to do a lot of the things he used to do for Skyline. This highlight from last season should remind Skyline fans of what Kincade did at Skyline:



Kincade starred at Skyline through the 2012 season and then signed with Mississippi on signing day in 2013. He was part of one of the early signing classes for Hugh Freeze, who abruptly resigned Thursday after allegations of sketchy behavior -- here are those details.

Kincade transferred to Grambling State after the 2015 season so he could be closer to his mother, who was struggling with some health issues. He talked about it shortly after transferring in a story in The Clarion-Ledger.

"So hard," he said. "It was a stress, man, because I was thinking about my mom and I wanted to practice plus I had homework on top of that. I told her I just want to come home and be closer to her so I won't have to be going back and forth that far."

CONTINUE READING

NSU, Southern fans ready for upcoming season

ALEXANDRIA, Louisiana -- Are you ready for some football?

Northwestern State and Southern fans from Central Louisiana are ready for the upcoming season as both schools held preseason pep rallies in Alexandria Thursday.

Meanwhile, Southern coach Dawson Odums is also optimistic about the 2017 season.

Picked to finish second in the SWAC Western Division, the Jaguars are eligible for the SWAC Championship Game Dec. 2 in Houston and the Celebration Bowl — a bowl game pitting the winners of the SWAC and the MEAC — Dec. 16 in Atlanta.

"I think 2017 is going to be a good year for us," Odums said. "We return a lot of seniors, especially our starting quarterback (Arthur Howard) and our tight end (Dillon Beard). Both of those guys are preseason All-Conference performers, so we're looking for great things out of those guys."

Odums has made quite the dent in Central Louisiana with his recruiting as Tioga's Jalen Ivy signed with the school in February, while Peabody's Jamar Washington, Chris Nash and Robert Perry along with Marksville's Qa Mingo and Tioga's Jestan Deville will be preferred walk-ons once fall camp begins.

CONTINUE READING

New York fuels Donaldson’s competitive fire

NEW YORK, New York -- It has been an intense and exciting summer for Khaila Donaldson, who enters her senior year at Howard University this fall. An outside hitter on the Bison volleyball team, she has done her best to train while doing an internship at JPMorgan Chase & Co. in New York. A successful internship will result in a full-time offer for the company’s two-year rotational analyst program, and Donaldson has put her competitive energies to use in doing a standout job.

“Most of it is personified in competition and trying to be the best at all times,” said Donaldson, a finance major. “I’m trying to be the best. I’m competing with myself.

“What I’ve learned with volleyball is the stress passes,” she added. “Hopefully, if you do well enough under pressure, the end result will be something you will be proud of.”

Howard’s volleyball team has gone to the national tournament the past two years, and Donaldson’s goal is to repeat that and make it to the Sweet 16, building a foundation for the team’s future success. Training has not been easy with the demanding internship, but she’s done her best to squeeze in workouts.

Despite the pressures, Donaldson, who grew up in the Chicago area, has fallen in love with New York and looks forward to returning to the city after graduation. She will do so with the confidence she has developed attending Howard, a renowned HBCU in Washington, D.C.

CONTINUE READING

NCCU head coach measures up to Triangle peers

CARY, North Carolina -- Five college football coaches sat on stage during the 15th Annual Bill Dooley Pigskin Preview.

Among the coaches was legendary quarterback whisperer David Cutcliffe, the head coach at Duke. Sitting to Cutcliffe’s left was his protege, second-year East Carolina head coach Scottie Montgomery. At the end of the table sat coaches from rival schools: North Carolina’s Larry Fedora and N.C. State’s Dave Doeren. Between Fedora and Doeren sat N.C. Central’s Jerry Mack.

If the casual football fan looked at the stage and was asked to pick the most successful of the five, who would it be? Cutcliffe’s had his fair share of success, first as the head coach at Ole Miss and for the last 10 years at Duke, giving life to a Blue Devils program that was constantly at the bottom of the ACC. He tied for a division title as the Rebels head coach, and won the ACC Coastal Division in 2013.

Fedora took over a North Carolina program at a dark time, right when the team was under heavy fire from the NCAA. Despite that, Fedora led the Tar Heels back to the top of the conference, winning the Coastal in 2015. Doeren won two MAC conference titles at Northern Illinois, but has not had that kind of success since taking over in Raleigh.

CONTINUE READING

JSU's Robert Porter earns first CFL start

VANCOUVER, B.C., Canada – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will enter Friday’s road game against the B.C. Lions without one of their key leaders on defence.

When the team released its roster and depth chart for the Week 5 matchup at BC Place, missing on it was strong-side linebacker Maurice Leggett. With Leggett out, Robert Porter will earn his first CFL start.

Porter, 24, played two seasons at Jackson State, where he earned All-SWAC honours in 2015, lining up at both corner and nickel. That year he finished with 38 tackles and one interception. He also broke up 12 passes.

Porter, who stands 5-10 and weighs 190 pounds, went undrafted to the NFL in 2016, but later signed a free-agent deal with the Chicago Bears. After his release from the Bears, the Bombers signed the Detroit, Mich. native to a contract in January. He was assigned to the practice roster at the start of the 2017 CFL season.

With the absence of Leggett, the Bombers are without two of their original starting linebackers. Weakside linebacker Ian Wild was injured during a 29-10 loss to the Calgary Stampeders in Week 3 and has been ruled out for at least six weeks. Kyle Knox, who lost out the middle linebacker job to Sam Hurl, has been playing in relief of Wild.

CONTINUE READING

Towson-Morgan State Hold Battle For Greater Baltimore Press Conference

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- (7/18/17) Today, representatives from Towson University and Morgan State University held a joint press conference atop the Greene Turtle in Towson, Md., to announce the 'Battle For Greater Baltimore' – a renewal of the sports rivalry between the Baltimore area's only two local universities with a college football program. The competition for local bragging rights begins on September 2, 2017, when the Bears take a short trip over to Johnny Unitas® Stadium to take on the Tigers.

"Both programs have a rich history of playing outstanding football and this rivalry is something that our students, fans, and alumni can look forward to each year," said Edward Scott, director of intercollegiate athletics for Morgan. "Our goal is to create an event that is more than just a football game; we see this as an opportunity to rally the Greater Baltimore community."

"We are excited to renew the rivalry with Morgan State," said Towson University Director of Athletics Tim Leonard. "The series is not only good for both Universities, but it is also very beneficial to the Greater Baltimore community. Both myself, and (Morgan State AD) Ed (Scott), are committed to playing this game as often as the schedule permits."

The teams are scheduled to play the home-and-home series in 2017 and 2018. During the press conference, both AD's noted that they are working out the details of extending the series through 2020.

Saturday, September 2, will mark the 24th meeting in the series between the two university football programs that began with a 34-7 Morgan Sate win on September 1, 1979 at Towson. The Tigers hold a 17-6 advantage in the all-time series and will be playing Morgan for the first time since 2011. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

The game will be broadcasted by WEAA, 88.9FM and televised.

Fans can keep up-to-date with all MSU Athletics via twitter at Twitter.com/MorganStBears and @MSUBearFootball. You can also become a fan of the Bears on Facebook at Facebook.com/MorganStateBears.

MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

NSU-ODU to Renew Basketball Rivalry This Year at Scope Arena

NORFOLK, Virginia – The Norfolk State and Old Dominion men's basketball programs will renew a once-strong rivalry this upcoming season when the two teams play a non-conference game at Norfolk Scope Arena on Dec. 22.

Game time will be 7 p.m. from Scope Arena in the first game between the two programs in two years. The teams last met on Dec. 29, 2015, a 68-57 win for the Monarchs at ODU's Ted Constant Center. That game marked the first meeting between the two programs in 15 years after they met at Scope Arena during the 1999-2000 and 2000-01 seasons.

"I am looking forward to a great evening of basketball between these two outstanding programs," said NSU Athletics Director Marty L. Miller. "I think this is the game that fans from both institutions want to see on the schedule every year. This game will be marked on the calendar of every sports fan in the Hampton Roads community."

ODU leads the all-time series 12-6 dating back to the first ever meeting during the 1965-66 season. The two programs played regularly during the early 1970's, meeting several times during the regular season at Scope Arena and in the NCAA tournament when both teams were members of Division II. Altogether, the teams have met 10 times at Scope Arena over the years.

"I am very excited that we have renewed the series with ODU," said NSU head coach Robert Jones. "When we played in 2015 the atmosphere was electric! The city was buzzing, and there was talk in the barber shops, beauty salons, and other places about this game.

"It also showcased how comparable our basketball programs really are. It allowed us to gain new fans who had never seen us play before that have continued to support us since then. Now that the game has moved to the Scope Arena, it will allow more fans to witness this exciting game. My hope is that this will become an annual event."

NSU will have game tickets available for sale. More information
will be announced at a later date.

Mike Bello, Assistant Sports Information Director
NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Morgan State Women's Basketball Star Corin 'Tiny' Adams In Midst Of International Odyssey

ATHENS, Greece -- Former Morgan State women's basketball star Corin "Tiny" Adams, whose 2,058 career points with the Bears are the most among men and women at the school, completed her seventh season playing overseas this spring after a successful season with Panathinaikos Athens. The team finished third in Greece's A1 national women's basketball league during the 2016-17 season.

Primarily a pick-and-roll style point guard, the 5-foot-7 Adams averaged 11.5 points, 4.3 assists, 3.7 defensive rebounds and 3.1 steals per game with Panathinaikos this season.

For Adams, 28, it was a long, winding road to Greece, which she described as a "great experience" and said she "felt like a real, real pro for the first time" thanks, in part, to Panathinaikos' professional staff.

Playing overseas has presented unique opportunities for Adams, such as exploring Europe with her mother, Gwendolyn, during her teams' winter breaks and experiencing different cultures -- Adams proudly said she's eaten Caracois (Portuguese snail). She's now played in 15 different countries internationally, including 13 in Europe.

But playing overseas wasn't necessarily Adams' first choice. Hailing from Brooklyn, N.Y., Adams averaged 19.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game and was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Player of the Year during her senior year at Morgan State in 2009-10. She had hoped to parlay a terrific four-year college career into a shot at a WNBA roster. But that chance evaporated before it ever materialized, a harbinger of the challenges to come overseas.

CONTINUE READING

Wash High’s Blount moves on from Duquesne to NCCU

DURHAM, North Carolina -- There was much more on the mind of Khalid Blount as he got into a three-point stance during spring football practices throughout March at Duquesne University. It wasn’t a worry about execution. It was a decision about leaving.

The 2015 Washington High School graduate had a good understanding of what needed to be done to get playing time on Saturdays, rotating on the Dukes’ defensive line in 10 games as a freshman.

Blount recorded five tackles – three solo – while taking up blockers and plugging holes from his tackle spot. He knew he could play, but wasn’t sure this was the place.

“When the thought of transferring came into my head, I was always telling myself it was something I didn’t want to do,” Blount remembered.

“I liked Duquesne,” he continued. “When I was on the football field, I was happy. Once I got away from football, I just wasn’t happy. As spring progressed, I had talked to my brothers, my family and God about it.”

Through those conversations, and a desire to move further away than the 25-minute drive home Blount made on many weekends, he finally decided to transfer to North Carolina Central University.

CONTINUE READING

Ex-NCAA scoring leader Daniel ready to return for new team

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee — Tennessee guard James Daniel III finally has the chance to deliver a follow-up performance to his 2015-16 NCAA scoring title, an opportunity that essentially eluded him last season.

After an ankle injury caused Daniel to play just two games last season at Howard, the 6-foot graduate transfer brings experience and offence to Tennessee’s backcourt.

“I wanted to go on the biggest stage for my last year and try to pursue my hopes and dreams since I’ve been a little kid, which was to get to the NBA,” Daniel said.

Daniel likely won’t be shooting or scoring as much as he did at Howard, where he averaged 27.1 points per game to lead all Division I players in 2015-16. He’s more interested in getting to the NCAA Tournament, something he hasn’t done and Tennessee hasn’t accomplished since 2014.

“At this point in my career I’m ready to win,” Daniel said. “That’s pretty much what I have to do. I feel like if we win, my personal goals will be met.”

CONTINUE READING

Jackson State Football Adds Two Assistant Coaches

JACKSO, Mississippi -- Jackson State University head football coach Tony Hughes has added Carl “Big C” Roberts and Lionel Stokes to the Tigers coaching staff. Roberts will serve as the offensive line coach and Stokes will take over defensive back responsibilities.

Roberts, a long time offensive line coach at JSU, was most recently the Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Line Coach at Texas Southern (2012-2015). Roberts has over 30 years of coaching experience. He first joined the JSU coaching staff in 1983 as a graduate assistant. He came on as a full time staff member in 1987, when he served as the offensive line and strength coach. He remained a member of the JSU coaching staff until 2003. After at stint at Grambling State, he returned to JSU as a special teams coach in 2010.​

While in college, Roberts was an outstanding offensive guard for Jackson State (1979-82). He was a three-time All-SWAC team member and went on to play for the Oklahoma Outlaws and the San Antonio Gunslingers (USFL).

​”Coach Roberts brings a wealth of experience back to Jackson State,” said Hughes. ” He has a proven track record of producing great offensive linemen. He has an outstanding relationship with the community and we are proud to welcome him back.”​

Stokes comes to JSU after serving as the linebackers coach at Louisiana-Lafayette. Before coming on as a full​-​time member of the Ragin’ Cajuns coaching staff, Stokes spent two seasons (2014-2015) as a graduate assistant on Louisiana-Lafayette’s defensive coaching staff. Before going into coaching,

Stokes played two seasons at Copiah Lincoln Community College before finishing his playing career at Louisiana-Lafayette (2010-12). He was a two year starter at defensive back for the Ragin’ Cajuns. In 25 games he recorded 135 tackles and had five interceptions playing both corner and safety.

​”Stokes, who is a lifelong Mississippi resident, is a young and energetic coach,” said Hughes. “He brings a lot of intensity to the program. He has proven to be an outstanding position coach. He will enhance play making on the field, as well as with recruiting.”

JSU reports to campus for training camp on July 25 and the Tigers open the 2017 season on September 2 when they travel to Fort Worth, Texas to face TCU.

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

MEAC Announces 2017 Football Media Day Student-Athlete Attendees

NORFOLK, Virginia -- The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) has announced its list of student-athlete attendees for the 2017 MEAC Football Media Day and luncheon on Friday, July 28 at the Marriott Waterside Hotel.

Twenty-two student-athletes and head football coaches from the MEAC's 11 football playing institutions will kick off the 2017 football season. ESPN college football analyst and former Howard University quarterback Jay Walker along with College Football Hall of Famer and former SC State head coach Willie Jeffries will serve as co-master of ceremonies for the second consecutive year.

A limited number of tickets are available to the public for the press luncheon and can be purchased by calling the MEAC Office at (757) 951-2055. Tickets are $30 per seat or $300 per table (10 persons) and must be purchased by 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 21 in order to obtain the special rate.

Media members may obtain a credential for the luncheon and/or one-on-one interviews by completing an application found on www.MEACSports.com. One-on-one interviews will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. followed by the luncheon at noon.

The 2017 MEAC football season kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 26 as Florida A&M will host Texas Southern in a non-conference game.

South Carolina State will travel to Baton Rouge, La. to face Southern University in the 13th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Labor Day Weekend, Sunday, Sept. 3 at 2:30 p.m. Details and ticket information can be found on www.meacswacchallenge.com.

For more information about the MEAC, log on to www.MEACsports.com.

Click the link below to access the credential application:
'
https://secure.sportssystems.com/events2/?eventKey=2cf59acf-db9a-4cc9-8db4-672365db65a8


Bethune-Cookman
QB Frank Brown (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.)
LB Trenton Bridges (DeLand, Fla.)

Delaware State
RB Brycen Alleyne (Wilmington, Del.)
LB Brian Cavicante (Portsmouth, Va.)

Florida A&M
OL Osman Aguilera (Miami, Fla.)
DL Calvin Darville (Belle Glades, Fla.)

Hampton
RB Yahkee Johnson (Richmond, Va.)
LB Steven Smith (Virginia Beach, Va.)

Howard
TE Howard Warren (Hopewell. Va.)
LB Devin Rollins (Miami, Fla.)

Morgan State
QB Elijah Staley (Marietta, Ga.)
DL A.J. Agbelese (Lanham, Md.)

Norfolk State
WR Marcus Taylor (Highland Springs, Va.)
DL Chris Lee (Woodbridge, Va.)

North Carolina A&T State
OL Brandon Parker (Kannapolis, N.C.)
DB Zerius Lockhart (Auburn, Ala.)

North Carolina Central
RB Ramone Simpson (Wilmington, N.C.)
DL Antonio Brown (Jacksonville, Fla.)

Savannah State
QB Tino Smith II (Carmel, Ind.)
LB Mulik Simmons (Savannah, Ga.)

South Carolina State
QB Dewann Ford, Jr. (Atlanta, Ga.)
LB Darius Leonard (Lake View, S.C.)

MEAC MEDIA RELATIONS

WSSU ready to be favorites yet again in CIAA

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- When you are the top dog in the CIAA, heading to yet another media day means one thing.

“I’m sure somebody will take whatever we say and use it against us,” coach Kienus Boulware of Winston-Salem State said.

The conference will hold its football media day later this week in Salem, Va., the site of the CIAA championship game in November, and when the preseason coaches’ poll is released it’s a safe bet the Rams will be the favorite again.

As two-time defending league champions who have most of their top players back, it would be a surprise if the Rams weren’t the favorite.

“It’s a great position to be in, and I don’t mind being the hunted,” said Boulware, who will begin his fourth season as head coach this fall. “It says a lot about where we are as a program, and because we are back-to-back champions, one of the hardest things we are going to do is try to defend those titles.”

CONTINUE READING

SC State LB Will Battle The Big Boys For The Butkus

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- He's the reigning MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and now South Carolina State senior linebacker Darius Leonard finds himself on a list with college football's heavyweights as they up for a national award.

Leonard joins Skai Moore from USC and Kendall Joseph from Clemson on the 51-player watch list for the Butkus Award. The award is named after former Chicago Bear Dick Butkus who wore the #51. A 51-person panel compiled the list of candidates for the award which is presented by the Butkus Foundation.

Leonard led the MEAC with 124 tackles and finished 4th in the FCS with 78 solo tackles. He also added14.5 tackles for a loss of 64 yards, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, five pass deflections, four forced fumbles (8th in FCS) and two blocked kicks. Leonard also scored two touchdowns for the Bulldogs, one on offense and one on defense.

CONTINUE READING

LSWA selects XULA' s Moses Louisiana Coach of the Year

NEW ORLEANS — For the second time in three years, Xavier University of Louisiana's Joseph Moses is Louisiana Coach of the Year in women's track and field.
     
A Louisiana Sports Writers Association of college sports publicists selected Moses. The LSWA announced the honor and its 2017 All-Louisiana men's and women's teams late Saturday.
     
Moses coached XULA to the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's team championship, its fourth in five years. The Gold Nuggets won just 5-of-20 events at conference but had great depth — 20-of-24 athletes scored. Freshmen and sophomores combined for 86 percent of XULA's points at conference.
    
Additional season highlights:
     •  School records in the 1,600-meter relay, 3,200 relay and 400.
     •  XULA qualified for the NAIA National Championships in four events (five entries) and scored in two.
     •  Junior Drew Chatters (javelin) and sophomore Brianna Pace (distance) were named CoSIDA Academic All-District — and Chatters earned second-team Academic All-America.
     
Moses outpolled Loyola's Nick Dodson, LSU's Dennis Shaver and Tulane's Eric Peterson for the state award. Shaver was voted men's Coach of the Year.
     
The coaching honor is Moses' 12th at the state level. In cross country, Moses has won the women's award six times and the men's honor four times.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold 
www.instagram.com/xulagold

RICK CLEVELAND: In college athletics, the rich get richer

JACKSON, Mississippi -- USA Today’s recent report about athletic budgets at universities around the country raised some eyebrows in Mississippi.

The headlines told us Jackson State ($7.6 million), Alcorn State ($6.7 million) and Mississippi Valley State ($4.3 million), which all compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), all were among the lowest spenders in Division I.

Valley ranked No. 228 of 230 schools, Alcorn No. 225, and JSU No. 220.

Meanwhile, Ole Miss’ athletic revenue was highest among Mississippi universities at $110.5 million, followed by Mississippi State at $94.9 million.

The Southern Miss athletic budget checked in at $25.9 million.

Of course, everything is relative, and all the Mississippi schools were near the bottom of their respective conferences. JSU, Alcorn and Valley were all at or near the bottom of the SWAC. Ole Miss and State were among the lowest spenders in the SEC. And Southern Miss was next to lowest in Conference USA.

CONTINUE READING