Black Athletes in the Spotlight: HBCU Sports & Local Highlights
- Clevan Thompson promoted from interim to head coach at Savannah State University, becoming the program's 12th head coach.
- As interim, Thompson led the Tigers to a 13-6 record, including an unblemished 7-0 mark at home.
- The team clinched the 2025 SIAC Men’s Basketball Tournament Championship and earned a berth in the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament.
- Opio Mashariki and President Jermaine Whirl praised Thompson's leadership, vision, and commitment to student development and program culture.
- Previously head coach at Bethesda Academy for nearly two decades; led the Blazers to twelve Final Four appearances and two state championships.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Savannah State University (SSU) has officially named Clevan Thompson as the head coach of the men’s basketball program.
Thompson was appointed interim head coach on January 6th after former head coach Horace Broadnax retired midseason. Thompson now becomes the 12th head coach in the history of the program.
“We are pleased to officially announce Coach Thompson as the head coach of our men’s basketball program,” Savannah State Director of Athletics Opio Mashariki said. “He has been an integral part of the team’s growth over the past couple of seasons and understands what it takes to build a winning culture. After leading the team to a championship last season, we are confident that he is the right person to lead our program forward.”
Thompson coached the Tigers to a 13-6 mark since being named the interim coach, including an unblemished 7-0 mark at home. His team clinched the 2025 SIAC Men’s Basketball Tournament
Championship and a berth in the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament.
“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to represent my alma mater, Savannah State University—a place that has played such a meaningful role in shaping the person I am today,” remarked Coach Thompson. “It’s an honor to give back to a community that has given so much to me.”
Thompson is a graduate of Savannah State with a bachelor’s degree in computer information
systems, Thompson has been a part of the SSU men’s basketball program since the 2023-
2024 season.
Savannah State University President Jermaine Whirl had this to say about the appointment:
“Coach Thompson exemplifies the excellence and leadership we strive for at Savannah State. His dedication to our students, his vision for the program, and his commitment to the values of our university make him an outstanding choice. We are proud to have one of our own leading the way.”
Prior to returning to SSU, Thompson spent nearly two decades as the head boys’ basketball coach at nearby Bethesda Academy, where he led the Blazers to twelve Final Four Appearances and two state championships. His teams claimed the 2012 Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) State Championship and the 2015 South Carolina Independent School (SCISA) Class AAA Title.
“I believe basketball is more than just a game—it’s a powerful tool to inspire, teach, and mold young people into hardworking, resilient, and service-minded leaders. My vision is to build a program that not only chases excellence on the court but also leaves a lasting impact off of it. Together, we will strive for a level of success that reflects the pride, passion, and potential of Savannah State like never before,” said Thompson.
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