FRANKFORT, Ky. – After two years at the helm of Kentucky State University's (KSU) men's basketball program, Head Coach Clarence Moore, Jr. announced today his resignation from the program. KSU Director of Athletics, Dr. Denisha L. Hendricks also announced that Assistant Coach Antwain Banks will serve as Interim Head Coach for the 2011-12 season. The announcement comes after Moore led the Thorobreds to their first winning season (15-13, 13-11 SIAC) since their 16-13 record under Winston Bennett during the 2000-01 campaign.

“I'm saddened to leave KSU. It was my first opportunity to coach at the collegiate level after coming in as an assistant and then made interim head coach halfway through the season and for the following year, then promoted to head coach this past season,” said Moore. “I'm sad because I've grown here as a coach and have bonded with my team and others on campus. I'm grateful for the opportunity I had here. It's an experience I will never forget or take for granted. I want to thank Dr. Sias, Dr. Hendricks and the entire KSU family for welcoming me and my family here and for giving me such a great opportunity at a young age.”

In two-and-a-half years, Moore amassed a record of 34-42. He also coached six Dean's List student-athletes (Julian Brown, Carlos Carter, John Gaston, Jarrod Gay, William Marsh and Austin Rich) and one student-athlete who scored over 1,000 career points (Tony Johnson). Under Moore's leadership, Johnson was also named to the 2010 SIAC All-Conference Second Team, 2010-11 Preseason All-Conference Second Team, 2010-11 All-Conference First Team and the 2011 SIAC All-Tournament Team.

“We are very sad that Coach Moore is leaving us,” stated KSU Director of Athletics, Dr. Denisha L. Hendricks. “He has done a great job here at KSU. He will be greatly missed, but we are really excited about the opportunity for Coach Moore and his family.”

Moore leaves KSU to assume a senior executive position at Edison Chouest Offshore in New Orleans, La. but is confident in the leadership skills of his assistant coach, Antwain Banks. “He's a great fit for the program,” affirmed Moore. “Coach Banks and I had the same vision and passion for the program. When I first spoke with him about the state of the program when I was named interim head coach, he was willing to assist me with getting things turned around. He was willing to come to KSU and start over. He is a major piece of the foundation laid here a couple years ago, and I did not feel comfortable leaving the program to anyone else.”

Over the last two years, Banks assisted with recruiting, scouting and practice planning, and community engagement planning for the Thorobreds. Prior to coming to KSU, he was a member of the Indiana University Southeast basketball program (two years as a player and five years as a coach). Banks helped IU Southeast reach 166 victories (71.2 win percentage) and five appearances at the NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship in Point Lookout, Missouri. He also helped lead the Grenadiers to the KIAC Tournament Championship in six out of seven years.

“I'm fortunate and feel blessed for the opportunity,” stated Banks. “I have to thank Coach Moore for the opportunity and trusting me to come in and getting things started as interim coaches. I believed we could put in the work and have the interim tags removed; we've done that and now have a strong foundation to continue on the road of success.”

In five years with the Grenadiers, Banks coached four NAIA All-American Honorable Mention student-athletes and eight KIAC All-Conference student-athletes, a coaching history that sparked Moore's interest before they met.

“He proved he was a hard worker,” said Moore. “He left a school that, over the past few years, had won the conference championship and made it to the Sweet 16, so I knew he would bring the champion mentality needed to move our program in the right direction.”

For Banks, being interim head coach is another step in the right direction for the Thorobreds.

“I thank Dr. Sias and Dr. Hendricks for giving me the chance to continue what Coach Moore and I started,” Banks stated. “I am fortunate to continue building what we began two years ago and continue the success we've experienced thus far. We have a lot to work on as a team, but we understand how hard we have to work to be successful. We must take it to the next level in order to win the conference championship.”

As KSU continues on the path to success, Hendricks is excited to have Banks on board. “We are pleased that Coach Banks has consented to stay on the staff as Interim Head Coach,” she stated. “He brings with him a wealth of knowledge to this position and we are looking forward to the team continuing on this positive journey.”