Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils Men's Basketball
The Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils men's basketball team is a NCAA Division I program that represents Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi. The team competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and has a rich history of success that dates back to the 1950s.
History of the Program
The Delta Devils first began playing basketball in the late 1940s, but it wasn't until the 1950s that the program really took off. From 1957 to 1962, the team won six straight SWAC championships and made four appearances in the NAIA Tournament. During this time, the team was led by legendary coach Lafayette Stribling, who was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1992.
In the decades since, the Delta Devils have had their ups and downs, but they have remained a competitive program in the SWAC. The team has won four more conference championships since their dominant run in the 1950s and has made two appearances in the NCAA Tournament, in 1996 and 2012.
Current Team
The current Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils men's basketball team is led by head coach Lindsey Hunter, who took over the program in 2016. Hunter had a successful career as an NBA player, winning two championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and playing in the All-Star Game in 1998. Since retiring from playing, he has worked as an assistant coach in the NBA and as a television analyst.
Under Hunter's leadership, the Delta Devils have struggled to find consistent success on the court. In his first three seasons, the team had a combined record of 20-71, with a conference record of just 15-45. However, Hunter has brought in several talented recruits in recent years, and the team is hoping to turn things around in the near future.
Notable Players
Over the years, the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils men's basketball program has produced several notable players who have gone on to successful careers in the NBA and other professional leagues. Here are just a few:
- Jerry Rice: Rice played two seasons for the Delta Devils in the early 1980s before switching his focus to football. He went on to become one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, earning three Super Bowl rings and making 13 Pro Bowl appearances.
- Michael Jackson: Jackson played for the Delta Devils in the late 1980s and early 1990s before being drafted by the New York Knicks in 1991. He played in the NBA for four seasons with the Knicks, Sacramento Kings, and Los Angeles Lakers.
- Paul Crosby: Crosby played for the Delta Devils from 2007 to 2011 and was one of the team's most dominant players in recent memory. He was named the SWAC Player of the Year in 2011 and went on to play professionally overseas.
Conclusion
The Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils men's basketball team has a long and storied history that includes multiple conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. While the program has struggled in recent years, there is hope for the future under head coach Lindsey Hunter. With a talented group of players and a commitment to success, the Delta Devils are poised to return to their winning ways in the near future.
