ATLANTA — Millsaps College men's basketball alum Lorenzo Bailey was named the prestigious Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Scholastic Coach of the Year by the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA on Aug. 15. He was nominated by the Atlanta Hawks and received national coaching accolades as one of five finalists for his work as a teacher and multi-sport coach with the Elite Scholars Academy in Jonesboro, Ga.

Bailey, a 2008 Millsaps graduate who received a Psychology degree, earned the honor after being recognized for his commitment to developing student-athletes through education and service.

He was surprised with a celebration at Elite Scholars Academy, where more than 600 students, faculty and staff gathered to mark the achievement. Hawks alumni Salim Stoudamire and members of the Hawks Entertainment team were on-site to present Bailey with a plaque trophy. Bailey will also receive a $2,000 grant and coaching resources from the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA to support youth initiatives at the school, in addition to the $1,000 grant he received as one of five national finalists.
 
"To be selected as the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Scholastic Coach of the Year is a tremendous honor," said Bailey. "This award is a reflection of the incredible students, families, colleagues and communities that have supported me throughout my journey as a coach and educator. I want to thank the Atlanta Hawks for recognizing the work being done to empower young people through sport, as well as the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA for continuing to highlight coaches who are committed to making a lasting impact."

Bailey finished his Millsaps career with 1,207 points, 350 rebounds, 224 assists, 350 rebounds, and 166 steals. He helped the 2007-08 team advance to the NCAA Elite Eight and finish with a program-best 28-4 record.

The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Scholastic Coach of the Year award, presented in partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance, recognizes a school coach who exemplifies integrity, promotes character development and creates lasting positive experiences for student-athletes that extend beyond the realm of athletics.

Each year, the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA honors one Scholastic Coach of the Year and one Community Coach of the Year. NBA, WNBA, and G League teams are invited to submit nominations for a local coach to be considered in either category. Bailey was selected following a comprehensive evaluation process, which included public voting, a formal interview and review by an executive panel.

"Lorenzo's impact is a testament to the difference one coach can make when they invest in the growth of young people," said Jon Babul, Vice President of Basketball Programs for the Atlanta Hawks. "For nearly two decades, he has used his platform as an educator to create meaningful opportunities, helping student-athletes reach their full potential. We are proud to celebrate Lorenzo as the first Hawks nominee to earn this national recognition as the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Scholastic Coach of the Year and grateful for the example he continues to set for coaches and athletes throughout our community."

Bailey's influence at Elite Scholars Academy extends across classrooms, athletic programs and generations of student-athletes. As a teacher and multi-sport coach, he leads several athletic programs, including middle school boys' basketball, creating opportunities for growth as competitors and individuals.

He brings a deep understanding of the game and a belief that coaching is an opportunity to shape lives. That same commitment has guided his service beyond the school community, including teaching English and basketball through Mission First in Africa, supporting mental health and recovery initiatives, providing free haircuts to individuals in need and mentoring young men through the Changing Boys into Men program. Through every opportunity to serve, Bailey has remained dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impression on those around him.

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Committed to entertaining and uniting the city of Atlanta since 1968, the Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena, under the leadership of Principal Owners Tony Ressler and Jami Gertz, continue to build bridges through basketball by following its True to Atlanta mantra. The Hawks organization focuses on positively impacting the lives of Atlantans through providing access to youth basketball, fighting food insecurity, and the transformation of State Farm Arena into Georgia's largest-ever voting precinct for the 2020 elections. The Hawks family also includes the College Park Skyhawks (NBA G League). Atlanta Hawks Membership, which includes your seat for every home game, is on sale now at www.hawks.com/membership or by calling 866-715-1500. For more information on the Hawks, log on to www.hawks.com or follow us on social media @ATLHawks.

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Founded in Jackson, Mississippi in 1890, Millsaps College is a national liberal arts college dedicated to academic excellence, open inquiry and free expression, the exploration of faith to inform vocation and the innovative shaping of the social, economic and cultural progress of our region. Consistently ranked as one of the best values in higher education, Millsaps has been praised by Colleges That Change Lives, The Princeton Review, Forbes Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, The John Templeton Foundation, and The Fiske Guide to Colleges.