VSU’s Collins won’t return as basketball coach

Anthony Collins, who led Virginia State to the CIAA tournament semifinals last month, was reassigned today after four seasons as the Trojans men's head basketball coach.

Collins had been on the hot seat since midseason, partly because the Trojans didn't resemble a team that was expected to challenge for the conference title. Then, booster and alumni members turned up the heat while VSU was losing nine of 11 games.

The Trojans gathered themselves near the end, winning four straight before losing 63-56 to Johnson C. Smith in the tournament semifinal. The Trojans finished 14-18, and the late push to the tournament semifinal was not enough to secure a vote of confidence from Athletic Director Peggy Davis.

"I was told [by administrators] that there were a lot of unhappy people, and that they wanted to go in a different direction," said Collins. "I asked for some particulars, but I wasn't given any. Obviously, it's a big disappointment because we felt as if we were building something and we believed we were on the right track."

Collins, a 1979 Virginia State graduate, compiled a 54-64 record during his tenure. He led the Trojans to a 21-7 record during the 2006-2007 season, but followed that with an 11-18 mark in 2007-08.

Collins said he expects to be reassigned tomorrow. However, his contract provides him the option to reject that offer.

"I'm sure there are people who aren't happy that we didn't win enough games as they would have liked," Collins said. "I understand because I would like to win as bad as anybody, but it's about so much more than that.

"However, I'm not just talking about basketball. I'm talking about the overall atmosphere, including academic excellence. You have some coaches who have lost their jobs because they're not graduating their kids -- that is not an issue at Virginia State."

The Trojans -- who return four of five starters next season -- excelled in the classroom under Collins.

Asked who VSU might pick to replace him, Collins said, "I know there has been some speculation about a high school coach, but I have no idea what direction they want to go in."

The speculation revolves mostly around Petersburg High School coach Bill Lawson III, who guided the PHS Crimson Wave to a 30-1 record, losing in the semifinal round of the AAA state tournament. Lawson today denied that he has talked with VSU administrators, saying only "I would consider it if asked."

Contact Ralph N. Paulk at