Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), one of the most historically prominent HBCU basketball programs, is in transition.
Cleo Hill Jr.’s departure from WSSU marks the end of a transformative era for the Rams’ basketball program. Hill, who served as head coach for six years, leaves behind a legacy of success and rejuvenation. His tenure saw the Rams return to prominence, capturing two championships (2020, 2023) and achieving numerous victories. Hill’s impact extended beyond the court, as he effectively bolstered the WSSU brand, elevating its visibility and prestige in the world of college basketball.
Hill’s journey at WSSU began in May 2018, when he was brought on board by then-Chancellor Elwood Robinson and Athletic Director Tonia Walker. Hill demonstrated a profound understanding of the WSSU culture and community, despite not being an alumnus himself. His familial ties to the institution–his parents having attended Teachers College–provided a personal connection that fueled his dedication and drive.
The Rams not only excelled in competition but also garnered significant media attention under Hill’s leadership. The team’s participation in high-profile events like the CP3 Tip-Off Challenge and features on ESPN’s “First Take” showcased WSSU’s competitive spirit and talent on a national stage. Additionally, Hill’s tenure saw the Rams secure a presence at the HBCU Classic at the NBA All-Star Game, further cementing the program’s stature.
Hill’s move to Division I Maryland Eastern Shore, an HBCU with its own storied history, is a testament to his ambition and desire to face new challenges. His departure, however, leaves WSSU at a critical juncture. As the Rams look to the future, they must address the immediate need for a new head coach while maintaining the momentum Hill generated.
The timing of Hill’s exit–on June 1, just months before the start of the college basketball season in November–poses a significant challenge. WSSU’s athletic department must act swiftly to find a replacement who can assemble a competitive team in a short period. Assistant Eric Wilson has been named as acting head coach. The transfer portal, a crucial tool in modern college basketball, will likely be instrumental in this effort. The new coach will need to leverage this resource effectively to fill gaps and build a cohesive unit ready to compete at a high level.
WSSU must consider the long-term vision for its basketball program, beyond the immediate logistical hurdles. The new head coach should not only focus on short-term success but also on sustaining and enhancing the program’s legacy. Several alumni are potential candidates, bringing with them a deep understanding of WSSU’s traditions and a personal investment in the institution’s success.
The importance of this hire cannot be overstated. WSSU basketball holds significant cultural and historical value, particularly in light of recent struggles in the football program. The next coach will need to embrace this heritage while steering the program toward new heights.
Cleo Hill Jr.’s legacy at WSSU is one of revitalization and achievement. He will have a huge building job on his hands at his next stop. Maryland Eastern Shore has just four winning seasons in the last 50 as the tiny HBCU in the rural back country of Maryland has one of the smaller Division I budgets in the country.
For WSSU, the focus now shifts to the next chapter. The standard set by Hill remains, and the mission to uphold and build upon it continues. The resilience and spirit of WSSU basketball will guide the Rams as they navigate this transition, ensuring that the legacy of excellence endures.
While Hill’s departure is a significant loss, it also presents an opportunity for renewal and growth as the university welcomes a new chancellor. WSSU basketball stands at a crossroads, ready to embrace the challenges ahead and write the next chapter in its storied basketball history. The legacy of Cleo Hill Jr. will undoubtedly inspire future successes, and the quest to protect and elevate the WSSU basketball standard should continue with unwavering determination.