Lyon College Director of Athletics Kevin Jenkins has announced the hiring of Rodney Mayes as the new head coach of the Lyon College men’s basketball team. Mayes is now the 17th head coach in program history.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rodney and his family into the Lyon family,” said Jenkins. “His energy and passion make him a great fit for our college and basketball program. With Rodney leading the way, the future is very bright for our men’s basketball program.”
Mayes comes to Lyon with an impressive resume that includes coaching stops at both the collegiate and professional levels. During his coaching career, Mayes has coached three All-Americans, 18 All-Conference players and 26 All-Academic players. He has also developed four NBA/G League players and has sent more than 15 players to play professionally overseas.
“I would like to thank Director of Athletics Kevin Jenkins and everyone involved in the hiring committee for having confidence and giving me the opportunity to serve Lyon College and the community of Batesville,” said Mayes. “My family and I are appreciative and excited to make Lyon our home. I am looking forward to working with Kevin to continue to build a respectable, nationally recognized program, as well as working alongside the coaches and staff at Lyon College. God has put my family where he wanted us and I’m excited to get to work with the Scots’ basketball program.”
Mayes recently served on the men’s basketball staff at Point University in Georgia. He started his tenure at Point as an assistant coach in 2018 before being elevated to the Associate Head Coach in 2019. While at Point, Mayes helped lead the Skyhawks to an Appalachian Athletic Conference Championship and a top 25 ranking nationally. Mayes was responsible for scouting opponents, video sessions and player development. He also oversaw the strength and conditioning program, along with preseason and postseason training.
Before his stop at Point, Mayes served as an assistant men’s basketball coach at the University of West Georgia from 2013-18. While at UWG, the Wolves compiled a record of 86-61 and were ranked as a top-25 team in NCAA Division II multiple times. Mayes was tasked with managing player development and scouting opponents at UWG. Mayes helped guide the Wolves to two conference titles, three NCAA Tournaments and a conference tournament championship over a five-year span.
Prior to his arrival at UWG, Mayes spent eight years as a professional basketball player and coach overseas. His international stops include Tunisia, Argentina, Portugal, Switzerland, Uruguay, Slovakia and Canada Professional division leagues. Mayes also participated in National Basketball Association (NBA) workouts with the Memphis Grizzlies (MBA Summer League) and Toronto Raptors.
Mayes earned his Bachelors of Science from West Virginia Tech University in 2005. Mayes finished his collegiate playing career with the Golden Bears. While at WVU-Tech, Mayes was named an All-American, All-Regio, First-Team All-Conference and a six-time Conference Player of the Week. He was also the recipient of the Sparky Adams Heart & Hustle Award and was named to the Academic Deas List and the BB&T Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Mayes is a member of the WVU-Tech Athletic Hall of Fame. Prior to attending WVU-Tech, Mayes was a member of the men’s basketball team at North Central Missouri College, where he earned his Associate’s Degree in 2003. While at NCMC, Mayes was a JUCO Region 16 All-Star and First-Team All-Region player.
