Fayetteville, NC –South Carolina State associate head men’s basketball coach Ken Spencer has accepted the head men’s basketball coaching position at Fayetteville State University.
Spencer becomes the 18th head men’s basketball coach in the history of the program. He returns to the CIAA conference after a four-year stint coaching on the Division I level.
“First, I would like to thank God for blessing me with the position of head men’s basketball coach at Fayetteville State University,” declared Spencer. “I would also like to thank Chancellor James A. Anderson, Director of Athletics, Anthony Bennett, and the search committee for entrusting me to lead the men’s basketball program and giving me the opportunity to serve this great institution.” [easyazon_infoblock align=”right” cart=”y” identifier=”B01E82S746″ locale=”US” tag=”hbcusports-20″]
Spencer will lead the Broncos’ men’s basketball program after a four year stint at South Carolina State University (SCSU) to include serving as associate head coach the past two seasons. He has been responsible for multitude of tasks to include: academics, recruiting, scouting, scheduling, guard development and on-the-floor coaching while at SCSU.
Prior to joining the Bulldogs’ coaching staff, Spencer was the head men’s basketball coach at CIAA Southern Divisional rival institution, Saint Augustine’s University (2010-12).
Prior to taking over the program at Saint Augustine’s, Spencer spent four seasons at Winston-Salem State University as the associate head coach and was in charge of all aspects of the program, especially recruiting and player development during the Rams’ time in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and their transition to Division I.
“I fully understand what it means to be in this position as well as what it means to the community, city, and to Fayetteville State University alumni near and far,” Spencer continued. “I plan to create an environment that energizes and empowers our student-athletes to represent Fayetteville State University with class and diligently pursue excellence academically, athletically, and socially, while consistently competing for championships.”
Before his stint at WSSU, Spencer built a powerhouse as the head boys’ basketball coach at Marlboro County High School in Bennettsville, S.C. In eight seasons, Marlboro County High was 173-51 overall, appeared in three state title games and won the state championship in 2001.
Before becoming a high school coach, Spencer served as a student assistant coach at Pembroke State (1992-93) under Dan Kenney and John Haskins and as a graduate assistant coach at Fayetteville State (1991-92) under Jeff Capel, Sr., who was most recently an assistant coach with the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers.
Spencer was a standout basketball player at UNC Pembroke, finishing his career as the school’s all-time three-point field goal leader. A four-year letterman, Spencer was captain on the UNCP team that won the Carolinas Conference championship during his senior season.
“I am really happy for Coach Ken Spencer and his family for the getting the opportunity to become the head coach at Fayetteville State University. I knew it would only be a matter of time before he would get another chance to lead his own program,” said SC State head coach Murray Garvin. “He will greatly missed by our players and coaching staff because he was a tremendous asset to our program. We wish him nothing but the best in all his future endeavors and he will always be a part of our basketball family.”
Garvin also stated, “With our teams recent success, others have taken notice and want SC State coaches to do the same with their basketball teams. Last spring it was assistant coach Travis Garrett receiving a head coaching job and this year it’s Coach Spencer’s turn.”
Spencer earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from UNC Pembroke in 1991 and returned to UNCP to obtain a physical education degree with teacher certification in 1993. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army after college and served in the Reserves for 10 years. Spencer recently completed his Master’s in Sport Management from Southern New Hampshire University.
“Finally, I am forever grateful to my wife, Ellen Spencer; my kids, Kevin and Karmen; and extended family and friends for all of their support,” asserted Spencer.
Courtesy: SCSU Athletics
