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HomeSportsAPSU Governors Basketball assistant Corey Gipson leaving for position at Missouri State

APSU Governors Basketball assistant Corey Gipson leaving for position at Missouri State

Austin Peay Sports Information

Austin Peay State University Governors - APSUClarksville, TNCorey Gipson, who helped lead Austin Peay State University to consecutive Ohio Valley Conference championships in 2002-03 and 2003-04 and served as assistant coach for the past three seasons, has resigned his position to accept a similar one at Missouri State, a member of the Missouri Valley Conference.

Austin Peay assistant coach Corey Gipson leaves Men's Basketball program. (APSU Sports Information)
Austin Peay assistant coach Corey Gipson leaves Men’s Basketball program. (APSU Sports Information)

That was announced Thursday by head coach Dave Loos

“It is with mixed emotions that we announce Corey leaving our basketball coaching staff,” Loos said. “I regret losing such a valuable member of our basketball family but I also am excited about the opportunity afforded him.”

Gipson returned to his alma mater in Summer 2012, leaving a position he held briefly at Furman after spending three seasons at UNC Greensboro. The Sikeston, MO, native, who also served as the program’s recruiting coordinator, quickly made an impact on the Governors; his personality and drive–a characteristic from his basketball playing days–were reflected in APSU’s 2013-14 and 2014-15 recruiting classes.

“I often have said one of the most rewarding parts of coaching was seeing where your guys were in 10 years down the road,” Loos said. “After playing for us, serving as a graduate assistant and then returning to us and serving as an assistant for the past three years, Corey is in a good place. I am very happy for him and wish him well in his new endeavor.”

Gipson received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Austin Peay, earning the first in 2004 and completing his graduate work in 2005. He also earned an associate’s degree from Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff, MO, before transferring to Austin Peay.

Before arriving at UNCG, he spent four seasons on the staff at Division II Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA. He coordinated the Trojans’ recruiting efforts for head coach Tony Collins, APSU’s longtime assistant coach who had recruited Gipson out of junior college.

As a player at Austin Peay, Gipson was a two-year starter at point guard, helping the Govs become the top defensive team in the Ohio Valley Conference in 2002-03 and 2003-04. The Govs went 45-18 in his two seasons—Gipson never lost a home game in two seasons, the Govs going 27-0 over that timeframe.

He averaged 7.7 points, 2.1 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game during his career. He also made 94 three pointers in his career, shooting 34.1 percent from three-point range.

In his first game with Austin Peay, he led the way with 19 points as the Govs upset Memphis to begin a run that ended in an NCAA tournament appearance. They were a perfect 16-0 in the OVC during his senior season. The Govs were upset in the OVC finals that year, but earned a spot in the NIT, downing Belmont in the opening round and nearly knocking off George Mason – just two years before the Patriots’ Final Four run.

With Gipson’s departure, Loos again is in the process of seeking an assistant. Wednesday it was announced Jay Bowen was returning to replace the departed Bubba Wells.

“We already have begun the process for Corey’s replacement,” Loos said. “I am sure we will attract a talented new coach.”

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