NATCHITOCHES – Northwest State Athletic Department Named Missouri State Associate Head Coach Corey Gipson The 10and men’s basketball coach in school history on Monday afternoon.
Gipson, 41, spent seven years with the Bears, earning a reputation as an outstanding scout and talent developer. His hiring is subject to approval by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors, which governs Northwestern State University.
Gipson succeeds Mike McConathy, who retired a week ago after 23 years as Demon’s head coach and Louisiana’s all-time leader in basketball coaching victories. Gipson will be introduced to the media and NSU supporters at 10 a.m. Wednesday at a press conference in the Lucille Mertz Hendrick Room (Room 121) inside the Friedman Student Union on the Northwestern State campus.
“It’s very humbling, first and foremost, to be able to lead a program with so much history and tradition,” said Gipson, who becomes the first African-American head coach at the club. program history. “My family and I are thrilled to go to a historic community and program where Coach McConathy has built such a great legacy. He paved the way for me and my family to come in and have a chance to carry that legacy forward. .is an opportunity that we do not take lightly, we consider it a privilege.
“I want to thank the administration – Dr Jones, (athletic director) Kevin (Bostian), (executive vice president for external affairs) Jerry (Pierce) – for trusting me to lead the program .”
During his seven-year stint at Missouri State, Gipson coached a trio of Missouri Valley Conference newcomers of the year — Tulio Da Silva, Dequon Miler and Alize Johnson. Johnson has spent the past four seasons on NBA rosters, appearing in 23 games this season for Chicago, Washington and New Orleans.
This season, Isiaih Mosley had a 50-40-90 season (50% shooting from the field, 40% shooting from 3 points and 90% from the free throw line), a year after being named captain of the Missouri Valley. The most improved team in the conference.
Rising quickly through the coaching ranks, Gipson was named associate head coach at Missouri State on June 2, 2016, 11 months after joining the Bears staff following a three-year stint at his alma mater, Austin Peay.
In Gipson’s six years as associate head coach of the Bears, Missouri State averaged 17.6 wins per season. The Bears recently finished the 2021-22 season with a 23-11 record and a berth in the National Invitation Tournament.
Gipson’s success in each of his coaching stops was significant, but it was simply part of the package that earned him his first head coaching job.
“During the research process, it was clear that Corey had all the qualities we were looking for in a coach,” Bostian said. “We look forward to him building on the great legacy Coach McConathy has built here at Northwestern State. Corey has been successful at every stage of his career. He’s a strong coach and scout, but more importantly , he has a proven track record in developing student-athletes into better young men on and off basketball.”
As an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator with Governors, Gipson helped make Chris Horton the program’s all-time leader in blocked shots and one of only 13 players in Division I history to score. 1,500 points, grab 1,000 rebounds and block 300 shots.
NSU President Dr Marcus Jones said: “Corey Gipson has the professional experience and the family-oriented personal image and reputation that make him an excellent candidate for the position of head men’s basketball coach at Northwestern.”
He added: “I am confident that Corey will uphold the rich history and traditions of the program as a coach. Mike McConathy did for 23 years before his retirement and will work to guide NSU basketball to even greater success on the court and increased support from students, alumni and other fans.”
Gipson spent three years at UNC Greensboro from 2009 to 2012, the last two as associate head coach.
A native of Sikeston, Missouri, Gipson began his coaching career at Virginia State University, a Division II school in Petersburg, Virginia. There, Gipson spent four seasons as scouting coordinator, helping build the foundation of a 2007 conference championship team led by All-Conference First-Team selection and Defensive Player of the Year Avis Wyatt. .
“The coaching profession is so dynamic,” Gipson said. “Every step and position is an opportunity to learn the game better. It’s a privilege and a blessing. My family, we handle things in a spiritual way. We put our faith first. It feels right. It feels divine. We are to roll up our sleeves and do the best work for the community and the university.”
Gipson’s playing career included two seasons as a point guard at Austin Peay where he helped Governors coach Dave Loos become the top defensive team in the Ohio Valley Conference. In Gipson’s two seasons, the Governors went a perfect 27-0 at home averaging 7.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while making 94 3-point shots.
Gipson helped Austin Peay win back-to-back OVC championships (2002-03 and 2003-04) and a berth in the 2003 NCAA Tournament.
A two-time Austin Peay graduate and 2012 Austin Peay Young Alumnus of the Year, Gipson began his playing career at Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, before transferring to Austin Peay to finish his career.
Gipson was a Mr. Show-Me Basketball candidate as a senior at Richland High School, averaging 30.9 points per game and earning consensus all-state honors.
He and his wife, April, have three children – Jordan, Tanner and Frankie.
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