Tony Madlock coaches Alabama State Hornets in NCAA Tournament

Alabama State University has made history by winning its first NCAA Tournament game. The Hornets achieved this milestone with a victory over Saint Francis (PA) in the 2025 First Four games. Head coach Tony Madlock has led the team since 2022 and his son, TJ Madlock, has played a significant role in their success. Tony Madlock, 55, has a rich background in basketball. He grew up in Memphis and played for the University of Memphis under coach Larry Finch. He was part of the team that reached the Elite Eight in 1992 and holds the school record for the most games played. Before his current role at Alabama State, Madlock had a season as head coach at South Carolina State. He began coaching at the high school level and then became an assistant at various colleges over two decades, including Auburn and Memphis. He took over as head coach at Alabama State in 2022 after Mo Williams left for another position. Under Madlock's leadership, Alabama State has improved each year, going from eight wins to twenty. They will now face Auburn in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. This game is significant for Madlock, as he previously worked as an assistant coach at Auburn. TJ Madlock, a 6-foot-3 guard, has played all four college seasons under his father's guidance. He has been a key player for the Hornets, averaging double-digit points throughout his career. His performance has helped his team achieve this incredible milestone in the tournament.