Alcorn State GM Monta Ellis joins Rafael Barlowe to discuss his transition from NBA star to college basketball executive and why he chose to take on the challenge of helping build the Alcorn State men's basketball program. Ellis reflects on Mississippi's golden era of basketball, his development and NBA career, while also discussing NIL, roster construction, fundraising, recruiting and his vision for the future of Alcorn State basketball.
Timestamps
00:42 — Rafael's first time watching Monta Ellis play
04:03 — Why Monta wanted to become GM of Alcorn State men's basketball
05:55 — The golden era of Mississippi basketball in the '90s and early 2000s
08:03 — Monta's game, his development on Mississippi playgrounds & his early Golden State Warriors years
10:05 — How Monta's basketball experience prepared him for the Alcorn State GM role
15:19 — How NIL has changed college sports and the recruiting landscape
19:00 — Balancing roster building, fundraising & improving Alcorn State's basketball facilities
23:15 — How being the father of a high-level young player helps Monta relate to today's athletes
25:15 — Josh Powell choosing Alcorn State despite offers from bigger programs
27:30 — Monta's recruiting pitch: Why high school prospects should consider Alcorn State