Tennessee State is bringing one of the most accomplished players in program history back to Nashville.
Tennessee State men’s basketball head coach Nolan Smith has added former NBA veteran Robert Covington to his staff as the program’s new chief basketball officer.
Covington’s role will go beyond the basketball court. He will focus on player relations, community and campus engagement, and team activities while helping Tennessee State players with their professional, social and personal development.
He will also serve as a liaison between the basketball program, its players and their families. In addition, Covington will work with basketball operations and TSU Athletics’ external relations staff to develop strategic partnerships.
Smith said bringing Covington back represents an important addition to the program.
“Rob Covington is a major pillar in TSU basketball history and HBCU basketball history,” Smith said. “It is an absolute honor to bring him back to this program. He will wear many hats and will be an important part of where we are going.”
Smith also pointed to the relationship the two have developed since his arrival at Tennessee State.
“Rob has become family during my first year in Nashville, and I am beyond excited to continue building with someone who gave his blood, sweat and tears to TSU basketball,” Smith said.
For Covington, returning to Tennessee State is about giving back to the program that helped launch his basketball career.
“I bleed TSU, and I always have,” Covington said. “This is another milestone I’m incredibly grateful for. I’m beyond blessed to now be part of this program full time, and I’m truly excited about what we are building together.”
“This is bigger than basketball,” Covington added. “This is about TSU, our people and our program, and building something special that lasts. The best is yet to come.”
Covington played at Tennessee State from 2009-13, appearing in 118 games with 112 starts. He averaged 14.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks while shooting 47.6% from the field and 42.2% from three-point range.
A three-time All-OVC selection, Covington earned first-team honors in 2011-12 and was named the CollegeInsider.com OVC co-MVP that season. He was added to the TSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024.
After going undrafted in 2013, Covington began his professional career with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers before eventually reaching the NBA. He played 614 regular-season games for Houston, Philadelphia, Minnesota, Portland and the LA Clippers.
Covington averaged 10.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals during his NBA career and was named to the 2018 NBA All-Defensive First Team.
Now, he returns to TSU with an opportunity to help build the program’s next generation.
