RRS NOTES: Jackson resigns as ASU basketball coach; AHSAA officially ends spring season

COMBINED REPORTS

Alabama State head men’s basketball coach Lewis Jackson announced his resignation from the program on Friday after 15 years as the head coach of the Hornets.

“As I continue my Alabama State University athletic journey, I am stepping down as head coach of the Alabama State University men’s basketball program,” Jackson said. “The joys and challenges of college athletics as a student, alumnus and coach at ASU continue to rank among the most rewarding milestones in my career. I am extremely grateful for the many opportunities that Alabama State University has afforded me.”

Jackson coached the Hornets to an overall record of 207-264 and 156-115 in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) competition. He led the Hornets to three NCAA Tournament appearances, one NIT appearance and the 2014 CIT postseason tournament.

“Coach Lewis Jackson has been the face of the Alabama State men’s basketball program not only as a coach but as a student-athlete,” Alabama State University Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jennifer Lynne Williams said. “I want to thank him for the time he has poured into the program for so many years as its leader. We wish him the best, and will continue to support him in his future endeavors.”

Prior to becoming the head coach at Alabama State, Jackson served as an assistant coach for the program and a student-athlete. During his time as a student-athlete, Jackson scored 2,203 career points and is the fourth all-time leading scorer in school history. Following his senior season, he was named the SWAC Player of the Year, Black College Basketball Player of the Year and a Black College All-American. Jackson was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the third round of the NBA Draft and received an invitation to try out for the United States Olympic team following his senior season.

Since the program’s inception in 1934, Alabama State has posted a 1,144-931 record with four NCAA Tournament appearances and five SWAC regular season championships.

A national search for the Hornets’ head coaching position will begin immediately.

Crimson Tide adds key hoops recruit

Top 30 men’s basketball recruit Joshua Primo announced on Friday that he plans to sign with the University of Alabama, giving head coach Nate Oats two signees in the 2020 class.

Primo, who hails from Toronto, Canada, is considered  5-star combo and follows the footsteps of fellow Canadian Combo Forward Keon Ambrose-Hylton, who signed with the University of Alabama in November.

"I think what stood out to me most about Alabama was that Coach Oats made it clear with my family and myself, that he had a vision for my college career that mirrored my own. He constantly broke down film with me and showed me exactly where I would make a big impact on the team. Other than that, developing a relationship with Jahvon Quinerly and watching their fast-paced play night in and night out made a big impact."

Two players, Kira Lewis, Jr. and John Petty, announced their intentions earlier in the week that they would enter the NBA draft and could give Oats two more slots to fill on his roster.

AHSAA spring sports officially ends

With Gov. Kay Ivey announcing on Thursday that the remainder of the spring calendar for public schools has been cancelled, the AHSAA was left with no choice but to cancel the remaining seasons of spring sports.

“We are facing an unprecedented health crisis, but I am prayerful that the steps we are taking now within our schools and across our nation will enable all those affected to return to a sense of normalcy sooner than later,” AHSAA executive director Steve Savarese said in a release.

“I’m extremely grateful to all our educators who will utilize tele-communications and other ingenious methods to continue to educate our students as well as keep our student-athletes conditioned.”

Davidson named Gatorade Player of the Year

J.D. Davison led Calhoun to the Class 2A state title back in February. On Friday, he was named the Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Alabama.

Davison, a 6-foot-3 junior shooting guard, averaged 30 points and five assists in leading the Tigers to a 21-12 record. He hit the game-winning shot in the 2A championship game against Barbour County.