Larry Smith or “Mr. Mean” as many Alcorn State fans know him by has been named the new men’s basketball coach at Alcorn State.

 

Athletic Director Dr, Darren J. Hamilton introduced the new coach by quoting singer Bill Ingram’s song “Somebody’s Knocking At The Door.” “Somebody’s knocking at your door. Somebody’s ringing the bell. Do me a favor, open the door and let’s all let Mr. Larry Smith into our house,” said Dr. Hamilton.

 

 

Larry Smith, a former Alcorn State player (1976-1980) was SWAC Player of the Year (’79 and ’80). As a senior he led all Division-1 players in rebounding and it was his tenacious rebounding that earned him the nickname “Mr. Mean.” Smith had a career in the NBA as a player from 1980-1993. He had stints in Golden State, Houston and San Antonio.

 

As a coach, he was most recently an assistant for the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA, Smith also spent ten seasons as an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets, helping them win consecutive NBA titles in 1994 and 1995.

 

Dr. Hamilton mentioned that Smith’s education, including a Masters degree in addition to his strong coaching resume made him a top candidate. “Education is important because we are students first, athletes second,” said Dr. Hamilton.

 

Dr. Hamilton is very confident with Alcon State’s decision and believes today marks the start of a bright future the men’s basketball program. “He has been at every level that was necessary to demonstrate and distinguish himself as the best candidate. Coach Larry Smith will bring this tradition, we’ll have to build a new facility to name it after Coach Smith,” said Dr. Hamilton.