Savannah State University has officially named Clevan Thompson as head coach of its men’s basketball program, removing the interim tag after a successful second half of the 2024-25 season.Thompson, a 2003 Savannah State graduate, was appointed interim head coach on Jan. 6 following the midseason retirement of longtime coach Horace Broadnax. He now becomes the 12th head coach in program history.“We are pleased to officially announce Coach Thompson as the head coach of our men’s basketball program,” said Opio Mashariki, SSU director of athletics. “He has been an integral part of the team’s growth over the past couple of seasons and understands what it takes to build a winning culture. After leading the team to a championship last season, we are confident that he is the right person to lead our program forward.”Under Thompson’s leadership, the Tigers posted a 13-6 record, including a perfect 7-0 mark at home. The run culminated in a 2025 SIAC Tournament Championship and a berth in the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament.“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to represent my alma mater, Savannah State University — a place that has played such a meaningful role in shaping the person I am today,” Thompson said. “It’s an honor to give back to a community that has given so much to me.”Thompson returned to SSU in the 2023-24 season after nearly two decades at Bethesda Academy, where he built a powerhouse boys’ basketball program. During his tenure, the Blazers made 12 Final Four appearances and won two state championships, capturing the 2012 GISA state title and the 2015 SCISA Class AAA crown.“Coach Thompson exemplifies the excellence and leadership we strive for at Savannah State,” said SSU president Jermaine Whirl. “His dedication to our students, his vision for the program, and his commitment to the values of our university make him an outstanding choice. We are proud to have one of our own leading the way.”Thompson holds a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems and continues to emphasize mentorship and personal growth in his coaching philosophy.“I believe basketball is more than just a game — it’s a powerful tool to inspire, teach, and mold young people into hardworking, resilient, and service-minded leaders,” Thompson said. “My vision is to build a program that not only chases excellence on the court but also leaves a lasting impact off of it.”Savannah State University announced details on an upcoming press conference to formally introduce Thompson will be announced at a later date.

SAVANNAH, Ga. —

Savannah State University has officially named Clevan Thompson as head coach of its men’s basketball program, removing the interim tag after a successful second half of the 2024-25 season.

Thompson, a 2003 Savannah State graduate, was appointed interim head coach on Jan. 6 following the midseason retirement of longtime coach Horace Broadnax. He now becomes the 12th head coach in program history.

“We are pleased to officially announce Coach Thompson as the head coach of our men’s basketball program,” said Opio Mashariki, SSU director of athletics. “He has been an integral part of the team’s growth over the past couple of seasons and understands what it takes to build a winning culture. After leading the team to a championship last season, we are confident that he is the right person to lead our program forward.”

Under Thompson’s leadership, the Tigers posted a 13-6 record, including a perfect 7-0 mark at home. The run culminated in a 2025 SIAC Tournament Championship and a berth in the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament.

“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to represent my alma mater, Savannah State University — a place that has played such a meaningful role in shaping the person I am today,” Thompson said. “It’s an honor to give back to a community that has given so much to me.”

Thompson returned to SSU in the 2023-24 season after nearly two decades at Bethesda Academy, where he built a powerhouse boys’ basketball program. During his tenure, the Blazers made 12 Final Four appearances and won two state championships, capturing the 2012 GISA state title and the 2015 SCISA Class AAA crown.

“Coach Thompson exemplifies the excellence and leadership we strive for at Savannah State,” said SSU president Jermaine Whirl. “His dedication to our students, his vision for the program, and his commitment to the values of our university make him an outstanding choice. We are proud to have one of our own leading the way.”

Thompson holds a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems and continues to emphasize mentorship and personal growth in his coaching philosophy.

“I believe basketball is more than just a game — it’s a powerful tool to inspire, teach, and mold young people into hardworking, resilient, and service-minded leaders,” Thompson said. “My vision is to build a program that not only chases excellence on the court but also leaves a lasting impact off of it.”

Savannah State University announced details on an upcoming press conference to formally introduce Thompson will be announced at a later date.