HBCU coach views his alma mater like Duke and Carolina

WINSTON-SALEM, NC — North Carolina is full of historical and national championship basketball programs, from Duke and UNC to programs like HBCU Winston-Salem State University (WSSU).

Corey Thompson compared his pride and affinity in his program for that of the two ACC giants that tower in the state and nationally as he was introduced as WSSU’s new head coach on Tuesday.

“This is like — my Duke. Right. I know we’re in the Tar Heel State. You got your Carolina and Duke fans. But this is my Duke, this is my Carolina. This is it for me. Winston-Salem State built me into the man that I am today.”

Thompson was officially hired as the first WSSU alumnus to take over the men’s basketball program on Tuesday. He spent the last eight years as a high school coach in the Fayetteville, NC area. Before that, he spent a decade as an assistant coach on the collegiate level at Fayetteville State and UNC-Pembroke.

Thompson paid homage to the legendary coaches who have come before him at the CIAA HBCU, particularly Coach Clarence “Big House” Gaines.

“Our legend, Coach Big House Gaines, laid the foundation, built the house for our program and the university,” Thompson said. “I’m honored to sit in the seat of many great coaches in this program.”

He also acknowledged the contributions of former coaches Rick Duckett, Phillip Stitt, Bobby Collins, and Cleo Hill Jr., who have all played significant roles in the success of WSSU’s basketball program.

“I don’t take this seat lightly,” he commented. “I told AD (Etienne) Thomas I’m ready to work. Can I get done with the press conference? I want to go recruit.”

Indeed, he will have plenty of recruiting to do. All of last season’s starters are gone from a program that won 90 games under Hill before he left to take over at Maryland-Eastern Shore. He took a lot of talent with him to the Division I HBCU, including rising junior KC Shaw and several Divisison I transfers that committed to WSSU prior to his move. Jeremy Dixon is the leading returning scorer at 4.7 points per game.

Thompson’s vision for the program extends beyond the basketball court. He emphasized the importance of recruiting players who not only excel in the sport but also thrive academically and contribute positively to the community.

“You have to bring in players who believe in something more than themselves,” he stated. “My type of player is someone who is successful on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.”

His passion for WSSU was palpable as he continued his speech.

“I’m not going to let this university fall. I’m going to do everything in my power legally to make sure that we stay on top,” Thompson vowed. “The house has already been built. I’m just here to add some spice. This is home. This is my dream job, my dream opportunity to come back and give back to my alma mater.”

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