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Clevan Thompson Appointed Head Coach of Savannah State Basketball

Clevan Thompson leads his basketball team during an intense practice, emphasizing teamwork and skill development.

News Summary

Savannah State University has appointed Clevan Thompson as the head coach of its men’s basketball program after his successful interim leadership. Thompson led the Tigers to a 13-6 record, finished home games undefeated, and won the SIAC Tournament Championship. His coaching philosophy aims to inspire young athletes both on and off the court. The formal introduction of Thompson will follow soon.

Savannah, Georgia – Savannah State University has officially appointed Clevan Thompson as the head coach of its men’s basketball program following his successful stint as interim head coach. Thompson, who took over the role on January 6, stepped in after the midseason retirement of former coach Horace Broadnax. His promotion marks a significant milestone as he becomes the 12th head coach in the program’s history.

Since assuming the interim position, Thompson has led the Tigers to an impressive 13-6 record, showcasing a remarkable turnaround for the team. Notably, the Tigers finished their home games with an undefeated record of 7-0 under his leadership. His tenure as interim coach was marked by significant achievements, including clinching the 2025 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Men’s Basketball Tournament Championship and securing a berth in the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament.

The announcement of Thompson’s permanent appointment came with accolades from the university’s Director of Athletics Opio Mashariki, who highlighted Thompson’s essential role in the team’s growth and his vision for establishing a winning culture. Alongside Mashariki, Savannah State University President Jermaine Whirl also expressed confidence in Thompson’s capabilities, indicating that his leadership will positively influence the program’s future.

Clevan Thompson is a proud alumnus of Savannah State University, graduating in 2003 with a degree in computer information systems. He marked his return to the university for the 2023-2024 season after spending nearly two decades as head boys’ basketball coach at Bethesda Academy. During his tenure at Bethesda, he achieved remarkable success, recording 265 victories, reaching the Final Four twelve times, appearing in six state title games, and winning two state championships in 2012 and 2015.

Thompson’s coaching philosophy focuses on inspiring and mentoring young athletes, using basketball as a means to develop hardworking and resilient individuals. He believes that the values learned on the court translate to life skills, shaping players into not only strong competitors but also responsible citizens.

A formal press conference to introduce Thompson as the head coach will be scheduled and announced in the near future. This event is anticipated as an opportunity for the community to learn more about Thompson’s vision and plans for the Savannah State men’s basketball program.

Thompson’s affirmation as head coach represents both a historic moment for Savannah State’s athletics and a new chapter in the journey of a program with a rich history. With his demonstrated track record of success and deep roots in the community, he is poised to lead the Tigers into a promising future.