Alabama State Hornets

NCAA Division: Division I
Conference: Southwestern Athletic Conference
Past Conferences:
City: Montgomery, Alabama

Arena: Dunn–Oliver Acadome
NCAA Tournaments: 4
National Championships: None
Conference Titles: 4

Team History

The Alabama State Hornets began playing basketball in 1934.

James Oliver coached the Hornets from 1982-1995. Oliver led the Hornets to a 22-6 record in each of his first two seasons. The Hornets finished second in the SWAC in both seasons. The Hornets then went through a five-year stretch where they didn’t have a winning season. However, during that time the Hornets had a host of good players including guard Terry Brooks, forward Darrin Mayo and forward Jesse Gilbert. Brooks and Mayo rank top 5 in career points in Alabama State history. Additionally, Gilbert and Mayo rank top 5 in career rebounds. The Hornets had just one losing season during the last six years of Oliver’s stint. He finished his tenure with a 195-172 career record.

Rob Spivery took over in 1996. After four straight losing seasons, the Hornets broke through in 2000. They finished with a 22-9 overall record. They were led by forward Tyrone Levett and center Alvin Pettway. Levett averaged nearly 16 points per game, and he’s 5th all time in career points. Pettway averaged 14 points per game. The Hornets held teams to less than 40 percent from the field. Additionally, the Hornets were crowned regular season SWAC Champions and they won their first SWAC Conference Tournament Championship. They received their first invitation to the NCAA Tournament where they fell to Michigan State in the first round.

The 2003-2004 Hornets also had success. They finished with an average 16-15 overall record. However, it was good enough to be crowned regular season SWAC Champions and to win the conference tournament championship. The Hornets finished 15-15 in 2005 which was Spivery’s last season. He ended his career at Alabama State with a 129-136 overall record.

Championship under Coach Lewis Jackson

Lewis Jackson was named head coach in 2005. Jackson’s first two seasons ended with a combined record of 22-38. However, his third and fourth seasons were productive. The 2007-2008 season ended with the Hornets going 20-11 and finishing first in the SWAC. The 2008-2009 season ended with the Hornets finishing 22-10 and winning the SWAC yet again. The Hornets went on to win the SWAC Tournament Championship, and they were invited to the NCAA Tournament.

Despite finishing with a losing record in 2011, the Hornets won the conference tournament and were invited to the NCAA Tournament again. The Hornets would have just two more winning seasons in Jackson’s last nine seasons. He was out after the 2019-2020 season. He ended his career with a 207-262 overall record at Alabama State.

Former NBA point guard Mo Williams coached the Hornets for two seasons. He led them to a 14-35 overall record before becoming head coach at Jackson State University.

Tony Madlock is the current coach at Alabama State.

All-Time Records (CBB)

• Points Scored

  • Steve Rogers: 2,447
  • Terry Brooks: 2,042
  • Darrin Mayo: 1,635
  • Andrew Hayles: 1,597
  • Tyrone Levett: 1,552

• Rebounds

  • Tyrone Levett: 944
  • Darrin Mayo: 787
  • Kirby Fortenberry: 776
  • Joe Williams: 716
  • Jesse Gilbert: 670

• Assists

  • Jamal Waters: 579
  • Shon Cooks: 404
  • Brandon Brooks: 402
  • Tobarie Burton: 399
  • Devin Warmack: 383

FAQs

What Is the Highest Win Total in Program History?

The Hornets won 22 games three separate times. The 1983 and 1984 Hornets both won 22 games under head coach James Oliver. The 2000-2001 Hornets also won 22 games. They also went on to win the conference titles and were invited to the NCAA Tournament.

What Was the Worst Season in Program History?

The 2020-2021 Hornets finished with a 4-14 overall record. It was their first time winning less than five games. The Hornets finished third to last in the SWAC.

How Many NCAA Tournaments Have the Hornets Made?

The Hornets have made four NCAA Tournaments in program history. Additionally, the Hornets made the NIT twice. They made it once in 1983 and once in 2008. They also made the CIT once in 2014.