Duckett departs WSSU for South Carolina

Winston-Salem, NC - Winston-Salem State University head men's basketball coach Rick Duckett has accepted a job offer from the University of South Carolina's men's basketball program. Duckett will serve as an assistant coach under Dave Odom, who recently left Wake Forest University for the position at USC.

All-Pro Photo Rick Duckett

In his three-year stint with the Rams, Duckett posted a 74-18 overall record and claimed back-to-back CIAA Championships in 1999 and 2000. The men's program has received berths to the NCAA Division II South Atlantic Regional Tournament each year under his leadership.

"Coach Duckett raised the bar of performance for our student-athletes in the men's basketball program and for programs throughout the CIAA," said WSSU Chancellor Harold Martin. "We wish to thank him for providing WSSU and its alumni an exciting brand of basketball and two CIAA championship titles. He has not only been an exceptional men's basketball coach and leader on our campus, but more importantly, an outstanding human being. We wish coach Duckett and his family much success at the University of South Carolina."

"This is a great opportunity for Coach Duckett and his family," said athletics director Anne Little. "He will be missed, but the University supports his decision and feels good about Division I institutions seeking leadership from within our program. When you are successful great opportunities will present themselves-- the case with both our men's and women's basketball coaches".

Prior to coming to Winston-Salem State, Duckett was the head men's basketball coach at Fayetteville State University from 1992-97. WSSU will immediately begin the search process for Duckett's replacement.

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