Mo Williams Leaving Alabama State for Hometown School

Former Crimson Tide and NBA star, Mo Williams, is reportedly leaving his job as head coach of the Alabama State men's basketball team for the same position at his hometown school of Jackson State, per Jeff Goodman of Stadium.

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News of Williams' hiring comes less than a week after current Tigers head coach Wayne Brent announced his retirement at the conclusion of this season.

Originally hailing from Jackson, MS, Williams starred for the local Murrah High School where he developed into a national All-American and took home Mr. Basketball honors in his senior season.

After a stellar high school career, Williams joined the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2001, immediately making his impact felt and helping the team to an SEC regular season title in his freshman season. In his sophomore year, the Jackson native led the team in points and assists before forgoing his final two years and entering the NBA Draft.

Williams was drafted 47th overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz but spent just one season with the team before moving onto the Bucks where he would average 14.1 points per game and nearly six assists in four seasons. From there, Williams bounced around several teams, seeing time with the Cavaliers, Clippers, Trail Blazers, Timberwolves and Hornets before eventually making his way back to Cleveland where he would win a title in 2016.

The former NBA All-Star began his coaching career in 2018 as an assistant at Cal State Northridge before moving on to Alabama State in 2020. In two years as the head coach of the Hornets, Williams compiled a 13-35 overall record and fell short of making the SWAC Tournament in both seasons.