Grambling, LA—Almost seven months after taking over the interim helm of the program, Bobby Washington has been named the tenth head men’s basketball coach at Grambling State University as announced by GSU Athletic Director Lin Dawson.
In his inaugural campaign Washington returned Grambling to the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament for the first time in two years where the Tigers pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament defeating regular season champion and tournament favorite Jackson State in the opening round.
Coach Washington said, “I am very excited for this opportunity to serve as the head coach at Grambling. My goal is to build a good team by laying a strong foundation. We are looking for good recruits. Our early returns are looking good, but the late returns must be good, also. I am very humbled by this experience, but now it’s time to get to work.”
Before coming to Grambling the Lexington, KY native had most recently served as head men’s basketball coach at Seminole Community College in Sanford, Fl for five years. Prior to that Washington spent three years as assistant men’s basketball coach at Florida AM in Tallahassee, where in 2004 the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Champion Rattlers participated in and won the first round in the NCAA tournament.
Washington holds a Bachelor of Science degree in juvenile services and corrections and a Master’s of Science in criminal justice from Eastern Kentucky University where he began his collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant under Travis Ford.
An activist in the community Washington participates in the Kids House of Seminole County, Harvest Time International and “Still Got Game Family Fitness Clinic”, sponsored by Anthony Bowie.
Washington was as stellar guard for Bryan Station High School from 1991-95, where he reaped All-City honors both his junior and senior years (1993-95). Also in his senior season Washington earned All State Honorable Mentions and was named to the Kentucky High School All-Star Team.
In the fall of 1995, Washington enrolled into Paine College in Augusta, Ga., where he missed his freshman season due to an injury. He returned for his sophomore season, where he averaged 10 points and five assists per game.
“I think Coach Washington did a good job last season. I’m impressed by his vigor and his passion for the game. He has shown that he can fit in well with the Grambling community and he provides the team with the stability that is needed. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with him to provide our student-athletes with the tools they need for success both on and off the court” said Dawson.
