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SWAC Basketball: Top 10 head coaches of the century (2000-20)

By Joey Loose

LUBBOCK, TX - NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Mike Davis of the Texas Southern Tigers reacts during game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on November 18, 2013 at United Spirit Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech won the game 80-71. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Mike Davis of the Texas Southern Tigers reacts during game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on November 18, 2013 at United Spirit Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech won the game 80-71. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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LUBBOCK, TX – DECEMBER 05: Head coach George Ivory of the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX – DECEMBER 05: Head coach George Ivory of the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

10. George Ivory – Arkansas-Pine Bluff (2008-2020)

Even before taking over at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Ivory had spent the entirety of his basketball career in the SWAC. After playing at Mississippi Valley State, his coaching career actually began with the women’s team at Jackson State before joining a few men’s coaching staffs. Previously spending four years as an assistant coach, he returned to the Golden Lions in 2008.

Ivory made a certain impact, leading the program to their first NCAA Tournament appearance just two years into his tenure. He’s responsible for a number of finishes near the top of the standings but hasn’t been able to replicate that conference tournament success. Still, his Golden Lions have won more than they’ve lost in SWAC play.

There’s still time for Ivory to lead Pine Bluff to another NCAA Tournament, but this past season was among the worst the program has ever seen. There’s still time for a turnaround; who knows what could happen in the future? The bottom line is that Ivory led a real breakthrough for this program, finally making strides in the SWAC and leading them to the postseason.