Anderson University Men’s Basketball Head Coach Ben Thompson and the Anderson University Athletics Department have announced the hiring of Assistant Coaches Jameel Taylor, Rick Thompson, and Micah Banks.
JAMEEL TAYLOR
A native of Anderson, S.C., Taylor joins staff at Anderson after three seasons as the Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at North Greenville University. Taylor returns to the sidelines with a wealth of basketball experience, having competed as a standout in the South Atlantic Conference before continuing his career professionally. His playing background brings a valuable perspective and a strong competitive edge to his coaching career.
“We are incredibly excited to have Jameel join our staff.” Said Thompson. “Coach Taylor is a native of Anderson and is one of the best players in SAC history. He is a bright basketball mind, a man of high character, and we are blessed to have him with us as part of our program.”
At North Greenville, Taylor assisted the program to 18 wins, the most in over a decade, along with a Northwest Division Championship as part of the Conference Carolinas and a Division I victory over Gardner-Webb. Prior to his time at NGU, he made the Elite 8 as a member of the Catawba Women’s Basketball Coaching Staff that notched multiple SAC Championships.
“I am blessed for the opportunity to come back home and join this program.” said Taylor. “The Electric City is a great place to be, and I have admired AU for a long time as a native of Anderson. I am looking forward to helping this team achieve greater heights.”
Taylor began his basketball career at T.L. Hanna High School before continuing to play collegiately at Catawba College from 2014 to 2019. During his time playing for the Catawba Indians, Taylor established himself as one of the program’s most accomplished players. He was a key contributor to the 2019 South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Championship team and was named SAC Defensive Player of the Year. His performance also earned All-Region First Team recognition. On the court, he ranks among the best in program history—finishing 4th all-time in career points, 4th in career steals, and holds the record as the all-time leader in free throws made.
At the conclusion of his collegiate career, he continued to pursue the game professionally, competing overseas in Lithuania during the 2019-2020 season. Taylor’s international experience adds a valuable perspective to the program.
“Coach Taylor is a native of Anderson and is one of the best players in SAC history. He is a bright basketball mind, a man of high character, and we are blessed to have him with us as part of our program.” added Thompson. “We look forward to welcoming him back home to the Electric City.”
The 2026-27 campaign tips off Monday, Nov. 9, when Anderson hosts Morehouse College in the first matchup between the two programs. Tipoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. in Abney Athletic Center.
Thompson joins Anderson’s staff with 40+ years of valuable coaching experience and mentorship. Prior to Anderson, he was an assistant coach at Emory & Henry and SUNY Canton. Thompson assisted the Wasps to a Top 10 national finish in multiple categories including points, assists and rebounding margin. During his time at SUNY Canton, he assisted the Roos to their first-ever conference championship at the NCAA level in addition to the Inaugural American Collegiate Athletic Association Conference Championship and program’s first ECAC post-season playoff win in school history.
“Not very often do you get to work alongside your hero every day, but I am blessed to get to work alongside my Dad.” said Head Coach Ben Thompson. “Coach Thompson was a legendary high school coach in Virginia and is an incredible Christian influence on my life, as he will be on our gentlemen student-athletes as well. We look forward to having him join our staff at AU.”
While at Canton, the program led the state of New York in attendance for Division III, posted the two highest GPAs in program history as well as a 100% graduation rate. The Roos also saw a record five Specialty Student Award Winners, two ACAA All-Academic Team members and received votes while being named Team to Watch in D-III News Top 25 National Poll for the first time in program history.
Prior to his time at Canon, Thompson garnered three decades of coaching experience in Southwest Virginia that included a 1991 VHSL State Championship at Lebanon High School. He was named the NHSL Coach of the Year in addition to a NHSCA All-Star Game Coach while coaching a total of nine 1,000-point scorers, including six at LHS. Most recently, Thompson served as the Head Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Coach at St. Paul High School where he reached three VHSL Regional Tournaments, the first which came after a 20-year absence. He has also held coaching positions at Pocahontas and Honaker, as well as serving as the Athletics Director at Castlewood High School.
Thompson continued his playing career at UVA Wise, formerly Clinch Valley College, where he lettered in basketball and tennis.
“I am thankful to have another opportunity to coach alongside my son as be a part of what Coach Thompson is building at Anderson University.” said Rick Thompson. “AU is an outstanding Christian University, and I am looking forward to having a part in working towards greater success in the SAC, as well as the region, and molding the lives of young men for Christ.”
A 2023 graduate of Emory & Henry, Banks begins his collegiate coaching career with the Trojans after spending the last two years as a personal trainer in Greenville, S.C.
“Micah is one of the best young men that I know and is a high character individual.” added B. Thompson. “He is probably the hardest worker that I have ever had the privilege to coach in my career and we are incredibly excited to have him join our staff for his first collegiate coaching job. Being a native to South Carolina and understanding our system, inside and out, Coach Banks will be an incredible asset to our program here at Anderson.”
After graduating from St. Joseph’s Catholic School in 2017, Banks continued his playing career at Columbia International University (2017-2018) and Emory & Henry (2019-2023) where he was a member of the men’s basketball program. During his time as a student-athlete, Banks was a two-time team captain and a 1,000-point scorer.
“I am grateful for this opportunity to be able to help and serve this team.” said Banks. “I am looking forward to what is to come this season, as I know that this is a great conference. I am excited to join Coach Thompson’s staff and learn the ins and outs of being a college basketball coach.”
