Rebuilding the Rams: WSSU's New Era Under Coach Corey Thompson

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is embarking on a new chapter in its storied basketball history, with Corey Thompson taking the helm as the Rams' head coach. As the first former WSSU player to lead the program, Thompson is tasked with navigating a season of significant change and high expectations.

Embracing the Challenge: Corey Thompson's Vision for WSSU

A Homecoming and a Responsibility

Corey Thompson's journey to becoming the WSSU head coach has been a whirlwind. The former Rams player finds himself back on familiar ground, but with a newfound responsibility to uphold the legacy of the program. "I'm excited about this opportunity," Thompson told HBCU Gameday, "but I also know, too — we've got to come in and be able to do what we supposed to do and protect the legacy."

Rebuilding the Roster: A Blank Canvas

As Thompson takes the reins, he's faced with the task of rebuilding a roster that has undergone significant turnover. With only four players returning from last season's team, Thompson and his staff have had to assemble a largely new squad. This presents both challenges and opportunities, as the coach looks to mold a cohesive unit that can carry on the Rams' winning tradition.

Retaining Local Talent: The Importance of Jaiden Thompson and Wesley Tubbs

Among the newcomers to the WSSU roster are two local standouts, Jaiden Thompson and Wesley Tubbs, both hailing from Charlotte. These players had initially committed to the program under the previous coaching staff, but Thompson made it a priority to ensure their continued commitment. "Just had to re-recruit those guys over again," he said, "but the thing about it is, they love WSSU. They love the program, but they love Winston-Salem State. And so it was an easy, easy sell for me to keep them here."

Assembling the Coaching Staff: Relationships and Experience

Joining Thompson on the WSSU coaching staff are Alphonza Kee and Tony Jones, both of whom have previous head coaching experience at the collegiate level. Thompson emphasized the importance of surrounding himself with coaches he knows and trusts, stating, "I've been coaching for a long time, and it's all about relationships, for me. So just being getting coaches that I know personally, building relationships with. Both from assistant coaches have a college head coaching experience."

Embracing Expectations: Carrying on the Rams' Winning Tradition

Despite the significant roster turnover, WSSU has been picked to finish fifth in the highly competitive Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) this season. Thompson attributes this prediction to the legacy and recent success of the Rams program, which has seen 90 wins and two titles under the previous coaching staff. "Tradition don't win games games," Thompson acknowledged, "but what it helps you do is also lay the foundation. And understand that coming in — there's expectation. And so knowing that expectation here at WSSU is to win, you got to know that coming in."As Corey Thompson and his staff embark on this new era for WSSU basketball, the challenge of rebuilding and upholding the program's storied legacy looms large. With a mix of experienced leadership, local talent, and a renewed commitment to the Rams' winning ways, Thompson is poised to guide the team through this transitional season and beyond.