Posted on by

HBCU coach and NBA all-star are headed to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame

HBCU coach and NBA all-star are headed to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame

Jackson State men’s head basketball coach and former NBA all-star Mo Williams has been inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The Jackson State, Mississippi native coached at fellow SWAC HBCU Alabama State before returning to his hometown to coach at Jackson State in 2022. Below is a press release courtesy of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame proudly introduced the 2025 induction class at a press conference at the museum today. This year’s eight-member class includes four football legends, two basketball stars, one baseball standout and one distinguished golfer.

“Our selection committee has once again excelled in identifying notable individuals for this class,” said Museum Executive Director Bill Blackwell. “Each new signing has made significant contributions to their sport and embodies the spirit of excellence that we celebrate. Her legacy inspires future generations of athletes in Mississippi and beyond.”

The 2025 vintage is as follows:

  • Scott Berry – Head baseball coach at the University of Southern Mississippi for 14 seasons, leading the team to nine NCAA Tournament appearances.
  • Steve Freeman – Standout defensive back at Mississippi State and in the NFL, currently a veteran NFL official.
  • Mike Justice – Experienced high school football coach with a remarkable record of 297 wins and 98 losses in 35 years, including four state championships.
  • Dexter McCluster – Ole Miss All-SEC and All-American running back, receiver and kick returner who enjoyed an eight-year NFL career.
  • Derrick Nix – USM star running back and longtime college coach, currently on the coaching staff at Auburn.
  • Steve Rives – Successful high school and college basketball coach with over 700 career wins, known for his successful stints at Jackson Prep and Delta State University.
  • Robbie Webb – Golf professional at Canton Country Club and Deerfield who mentored numerous junior golfers.
  • Mo Williams – Current head basketball coach at Jackson State University HBCU and Murrah High School graduate who went on to play basketball at Alabama and enjoy a 13-year NBA career.

These exceptional individuals will be formally honored during the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, August 1-2, 2025. Tickets go on sale in January 2025. This event supports the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates the Hall of Fame celebrates the achievements of those who have brought glory and honor to the state of Mississippi.

About Mo Williams

Williams was named Mr. Basketball his senior year at Murrah High in 2001 and also received McDonald’s All-America and Parade Magazine Third team All-America honors. He then played two seasons at Alabama, averaging more than 13 points and four assists per game. Williams was named the Sporting News National Freshman of the Year and Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year in 2002 and helped the Tide to the SEC regular-season championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Williams also earned third-team all-conference honors in 2003 before turning pro after his sophomore year.

Williams spent 14 years in the NBA, averaging more than 13 points and nearly five assists per game. Williams was drafted by Utah and played his rookie season with the Jazz before spending the next four seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. Williams played three seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2008-11), where he teamed with LeBron James and helped the Cavs to a league-best 66 wins and a berth in the NBA Finals in 2008-09. Williams was selected to the NBA All-Star Game in his first season with Cleveland.

After stints with the Los Angeles Clippers (2011-12), Portland Trail Blazers (2013-14), Minnesota Timberwolves (2014-15) and Charlotte Hornets (2015), Williams returned to Cleveland as a Cavaliers for the 2015-16 season back made a historic comeback from a three-to-one deficit, defeating the Golden State Warriors and winning the NBA Championship.

The former NBA All-Star gained HBCU basketball experience at Alabama State for two seasons. Williams went 13-35 at Bama State and finished 12-24 in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play during his tenure. Recently, Mo Williams signed his son Mike Williams to play HBCU basketball under his father at Jackson State. Williams is a three-star recruit and the No. 187 prospect in the 2025 class according to 247Sports.