Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

Savannah State Basketball Coach Announces Retirement

The Savannah State basketball court, a place of significant achievements and memories for the team.

News Summary

Horace Broadnax has announced his retirement as the head men’s basketball coach at Savannah State University after a successful 20-year tenure. Broadnax’s leadership brought the Tigers numerous championships and accolades, including two MEAC Regular Season Championships and recent success in the SIAC tournament. Clevan Thompson, an experienced assistant coach, has been named the interim head coach, eager to uphold Broadnax’s legacy. The Tigers will face Morehouse College in their next matchup, marking a new chapter for the program as they seek to improve their current season record.

Savannah, GA

Horace Broadnax has officially announced his retirement as the head men’s basketball coach at Savannah State University after a notable 20-year tenure. His retirement was revealed on January 6, 2023, and he leaves behind a legacy that includes numerous championships and significant milestones for the Tigers program. Following his departure, Clevan Thompson, who served as assistant coach, has been appointed as the interim head coach effective immediately.

During Broadnax’s two decades in charge, the Tigers achieved remarkable success, winning three championships and securing a reputation in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). The pinnacle of his coaching career came in the 2011-12 season, when Savannah State captured its first MEAC Regular Season Championship with an impressive 14-2 record, ultimately earning a spot in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).

In addition, the Tigers once again claimed the MEAC Regular Season Championship in 2018. Broadnax also led the team to compete in the College Insider.com Tournament (CIT) in both 2013 and 2016. Most recently in 2022, under Broadnax’s guidance, Savannah State won the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Men’s Basketball Tournament Title, successfully qualifying for the NCAA Division II Tournament.

As Broadnax steps away from coaching, he has expressed satisfaction with his time at Savannah State, describing his coaching experience as rewarding. He plans to take this opportunity to explore new interests and spend quality time with family.

Taking over as the interim head coach, Clevan Thompson brings a wealth of experience to the position. A graduate of Savannah State in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems, Thompson has an impressive coaching resume from his time at Bethesda Academy. There, he led teams to an outstanding twelve Final Four appearances, eight state championship game appearances, and two state titles. His teams clinched the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) state championship in 2012 and the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) Class AAA state title in 2015.

As interim head coach, Thompson has expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to lead the program, aiming to continue building on Broadnax’s legacy of success. At the time of Broadnax’s retirement, Savannah State’s current season record stands at 5-6 overall and 3-4 in SIAC play.

The Tigers are set to face Morehouse College in their next matchup on January 10, marking a fresh chapter under Thompson’s leadership as they strive to improve their performance.

Overall, Broadnax’s departure signifies the end of an era for Savannah State’s men’s basketball team, as both the program and its community reflect on his impactful contributions and the solid foundation he laid for future success.