University of South Alabama Athletics

A native of Chipley Fla., Cliff Ellis led the men’s basketball program from 1975-1984. During his nine seasons at the helm of the team, USA was 171-84, making him the school’s all-time winningest basketball coach. He was named the Sun Belt Coach of the year in 1979 and took four squads to post season action. His 1979 and 1980 teams advanced to the NCAA tournament, while the Jaguars received the NIT bids in the 1981 and 1984. The 1981 squad reached the NIT’s third round. The Jaguars won three Sun Belt regular season titles under Ellis in 1979, 1980, and 1981.