Alcorn State is adding serious NBA firepower to its men’s basketball program.
The school announced Friday that Jackson native and former NBA guard Monta Ellis has been hired as the program’s new general manager, effective immediately.
Ellis arrives in Lorman with 12 years of NBA experience and a reputation as one of the most electric scorers of his era. A second-round pick of the Golden State Warriors in the 2005 NBA Draft, Ellis played for the Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers while scoring 14,858 career points and averaging 17.8 points per game.
Now, the Lanier High product is returning home with a new mission: help build Alcorn basketball into a championship-level program.
“Today marks the beginning of an incredible new chapter, and I’m truly honored and excited to be named the General Manager for Men’s Basketball at Alcorn State University,” Ellis said. “Alcorn isn’t just a university. It’s a place built on history, tradition, excellence, and a legacy that has impacted generations.”
What will Monta Ellis do at Alcorn State?
Ellis’ new role will put him at the center of the program’s roster-building efforts. He will assist with player evaluation, recruiting strategy, transfer portal decisions, NIL opportunities and alumni and donor relationships. He also will serve as a mentor for Braves players on and off the court.
The hire gives first-year head coach Jake Morton a high-profile basketball mind with deep Mississippi roots. Alcorn finished 9-23 overall and 7-11 in SWAC play last season, but closed its campaign with a 77-65 SWAC Tournament win over Alabama State before falling in the second round.
“𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶 𝗕𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘁” 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘!
Alcorn Hires NBA Vet Ellis as Men’s Basketball General Manager
📰 https://t.co/eX6d0sPscS pic.twitter.com/0VycQg6MUT— Alcorn State Braves Athletics (@BRAVESSPORTS) August 7, 2026
“Monta Ellis brings a championship pedigree and a wealth of basketball knowledge to our program,” Alcorn athletic director E. D’Wayne Robinson said. “His experience at the highest level of the game, combined with his passion for developing young talent, makes him the perfect addition to our basketball leadership.”
Before becoming an NBA scoring threat, Ellis was a prep legend at Lanier High. He helped lead the Bulldogs to two MHSAA Class 4A state championships, compiled a 68-7 record during his high school career and scored 4,167 points while averaging 38.4 points per game. Ellis also earned McDonald’s All-American, Mr. Basketball USA and EA Sports National Player of the Year honors in 2005.
Morton said Ellis’ arrival represents a major move for the program and the state.
“He brings a wealth of basketball knowledge, professional experience, and a strong connection to the state of Mississippi,” Morton said. “His addition is a major step forward for our program.”
For Ellis, the message is simple: He is ready to get to work.
“I’m excited to help build a championship culture for our student-athletes to succeed in basketball, in the classroom, and — more importantly — in life,” Ellis said. “I’m ready to get to work, embrace the challenge, and represent Braves Nation with pride.”
