Grambling State hires former South Carolina assistant Duckett as coach

GRAMBLING, La. -- Rick Duckett, an assistant coach at South Carolina for the past six seasons, was hired Thursday as the men's head coach at Grambling State.

Duckett had been as assistant to Dave Odom at South Carolina since 2002. Odom retired following the 2007-08 season.

Duckett compiled a 150-75 record in eight seasons as head coach at Fayetteville State and Winston-Salem State. He got his start in coaching as an undergraduate at North Carolina, leading the junior varsity program for Dean Smith.

"Coach Duckett is a proven tactician who has worked with some of the best coaches in the business," athletics director Troy Mathieu said. "He has a unique ability to motivate and connect with student-athletes and will bring tremendous enthusiasm to our men's basketball program."

Duckett's hiring still needs approval from the Board of Supervisors of the University of Louisiana System.

He replaces Larry Wright, who was fired in April after compiling an 88-160 record in nine seasons at his alma mater.