Alabama State hires Chris Wright as men’s basketball coach

FILE – Langston University head men’s basketball coach Chris Wright talks to his players during the first half of the NAIA men’s national championship college basketball game against Freed-Hardeman, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAKA) – Alabama State University has announced that it’s hired Chris Wright as its new head men’s basketball coach.

Wright has an overall 332–121 career record, a history of transformational success and a championship-driven approach, the university said.

“Chris Wright represents exactly what we were looking for a proven winner, a builder of programs, and a leader who knows how to establish and sustain a championship culture,” Alabama State Vice President and Athletic Director Jason Cable said. “His results speak for themselves, and his vision aligns perfectly with where we are going as a program.”

“We are proud to continue our strong winning tradition as we welcome Coach Chris Wright to lead our men’s basketball program. Alabama State President Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr., said. “I have full confidence in the leadership and vision of our Vice President and Athletic Director, Jason Cable, and trust in the direction he is guiding Hornet athletics. We are excited about the future of Hornet basketball. Our goal is clear: to compete at the highest level in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and beyond while developing champion, well-rounded student-athletes prepared for success in life. I look forward to the energy, passion, and leadership that Coach Chris Wright will bring to our program.”

University officials say Wright’s most recent success at Langston University in Oklahoma has been historic. Taking over a program that finished 1–27, Wright engineered one of the most remarkable turnarounds in college basketball, leading Langston to a 31–3 record in his first season (2022–23). Over his four-year tenure, he compiled a 121–21 record, including dominant seasons of 31–3, 35–2, and 29–8, firmly establishing Langston as a national powerhouse.

Under Wright’s leadership, Langston advanced to the NAIA National Championship game twice and made multiple Sweet 16 appearances, consistently competing at the highest level on the national stage. His efforts earned him 2022–23 NAIA National Coach of the Year honors, as well as Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year recognition.

Beyond Langston, the university says Wright has demonstrated sustained excellence throughout his career, including at Talladega College, further reinforcing his reputation as one of the premier program builders in the game today. His teams are defined by discipline, defensive intensity, player development, and a relentless commitment to winning, they said.

“I am honored and excited to lead the Alabama State Men’s Basketball program,” said Wright. “This is a proud institution with a rich tradition and a passionate fan base. We will build a program that competes for championships every year, develops our student-athletes, and represents this university at the highest level. Our expectation is to win and to win the right way.”

— Information from Alabama State University