Alcorn State University to celebrate the life of legendary coach, Davey L. Whitney Sr.

The life and legacy of one of Alcorn State University’s beloved alumni will be celebrated during a special memorial ceremony.

University officials and family members of Alcorn’s former Men’s Basketball head coach Davey L. Whitney Sr. will gather on the university’s Lorman campus Saturday, June 6 at 12 p.m. in the Davey L. Whitney HPER Complex to celebrate his life and contributions to Alcorn and the nation.

The program will feature remarks from several of Whitney’s former players, close friends and coaching colleagues.

Notable speakers will include Reggie Minton of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, former Alcorn Director of Athletics and Head Football Coach Marino Casem, former Head Coach for Jackson State University Andy Stoglin, former Alcorn Men’s Basketball team members Andrew “Pierre” Tatum, Richard Horton, and Arthur “Moo Moo” Harris, to name a few.

Whitney coached at Alcorn from 1969 to 1989 and 1996 to 2003.

Under his leadership, Alcorn beat Mississippi State 80-78 in the 1979 National Invitation Tournament (NIT). Whitney led Alcorn to a win against South Alabama in the first round of the 1980 NCAA Tournament, which was the first time a historically black college and university had won in the tournament. Whitney also led Alcorn to NCAA Tournament wins in 1983 and 1984 and six appearances in the dance. Whitney finished his career with a record of 566-356 and 12 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championships.

Whitney was named SWAC Coach of the Year nine times. He was elected to the Kentucky State University Hall of Fame in 1976, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1991, the Alcorn State University Hall of Honors in 1993, the Alcorn State University Hall of Fame in 1996 and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.

A reception will immediately follow the celebration. For more information, contact Vice President for Institutional Advancement Marcus Ward at (601) 877-6296 or Director of Athletics Derek Horne at (601) 877-6500.