Story Courtesy: Sam Viebrock, Clayton State Assistant AD for Communication
Clayton State University Director of Athletics Jermaine Rolle announced on Friday afternoon. the resignation of men’s basketball coach Vince Alexander. Coach Alexander served as the head coach for the Lakers from 2021-26.
THOUGHTS FROM AD JERMAINE ROLLE
“Vince Alexander has been a man of integrity, accountability, and character throughout his time at Clayton State University,” said Rolle. “I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Vince, and what has always stood out is the way he approached this role—with honesty, professionalism, and a genuine care for the young people he coached.
Rolle continues, “He consistently held himself to a high standard and led with humility, taking responsibility in every circumstance and modeling what it means to represent this university the right way. The impact he made on our student athletes, both personally and academically, is meaningful and lasting.
“On behalf of our department, I want to thank Vince for his commitment to Clayton State University and for the example he set each day. We are grateful for the way he represented our program and wish him and his family nothing but the very best moving forward.”
Coach Alexander coached Jalen Shaw, who was the lone all-conference player during his tenure. He also coached six players who turned pro overseas including Shaw, Ricardo Saams Jr., Wes Williams, Kobie Johnson, Ricardo Lynch, and Xavier Womack. Saams Jr., who was arguably the most successful player that he coached, set the program record with 438 defensive rebounds and with 634 total rebounds. He is also in the top 10 in multiple other categories and became the ninth player in program history to score 1,000 career points. Jalen Shaw also set a new program record with shooting 62.7% from the field in the 2021-22 season.
Under the direction of Coach Alexander, the Lakers set new program records in the academic ranks with four College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District selection following the 2025-26 season and has mentored six honorees in all. In addition, he mentored 13 PBC Presidential Honor Roll and three PBC Team of Academic Distinction selections.
Back in the 2022-23 season, Coach Vince won his 350th career game against Savannah State on December 3rd. Prior to Clayton State, Coach Alexander was the Head Coach at Saint Leo, PBC familiar USC Aiken, where he reached the NCAA Tournament in six seasons and reached the Final Four in the 2013-14 season and Mansfield while he was an assistant coach with Rice University.
