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No Hollywood ending for Corey Thompson in his coaching debut at the Gaines Center

Updated Nov. 17, 2024, 11:30 a.m. 1 min read

It didnt take long for Coach Corey Thompson to show his Winston-Salem State men's basketball team how much he cares.

Sporting a red cast on his right hand for Saturdays game with Francis Marion in his debut as coach of his alma mater at the Gaines Center, Thompson sheepishly said how it happened.

It was in our first game, and I slammed it on the scorers table, Thompson said.

I guess I showed a little too much passion.

Unfortunately, his team didnt show enough passion in a 77-71 loss to Francis Marion in front of around 1,000 fans.

A scoring drought late in the second half gave the Patriots a chance to seize control of the game and they did.

Winston-Salem State head coach Corey Thompson speaks with his team during a timeout in the second half of the Rams' 77-71 loss to the Francis Marion Patriots in an NCAA mens basketball game on Saturday at the Gaines Center.

The Rams (0-3) are looking for Thompsons first win as a college coach and the script could have been different in his home debut.

They went up early and was using the crowds energy to their advantage but not enough stops on defense and some poor shot selection late led to the loss.

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He's a former player for the Rams who is coaching the men's program Thompson played at the Gaines Center 25 years ago as a center and is the first alum to coach in the Gaines Center in the history of the mens program.

Getting that first college win, however, will have to wait.

I really want to make it about the guys because my time as a player as come and gone, so its about them, Thompson said about a team he had to build in about three months after he was hired in the summer.

His family that includes wife, Kesi, played for the Rams on the womens team the same time Corey was on the mens team.

Before the game she said her husband wasn't nervous but more excited to get out there.

Coach Thompsons family and friends sit behind the team to watch the game I think he wasnt that nervous, but I think its more about wanting his team to play well, she said.

All of that stuff about being back here after us graduating from here, thats not the focal point.

He just wants to have success now.

With about two minutes to play Thompson was close to the scorers table again and the Rams hoisted up an inadvertent 3-point attempt.

He nearly slammed the scorers table again, but stopped short and said, I cant break my other hand.

The Rams went nearly eight minutes without a basket in the second half that ultimately cost them.

Also coming to see Thompsons debut was one of his former teammates, Chea Johnson, who is a high-school coach in Charlotte.

Letita Duckett, the widow of Rick who coached Thompson 25 years ago at WSSU, was also there showing her support.

He's an alum coaching for the first time at the Gaines Center since his playing days 25 years ago Kesi and Coreys three children were also there.

Tyson, who is their oldest and plays basketball for Winston-Salem Christian, is a highly ranked player in the state.

Hes been OK, and hes been looking forward to this so hes excited, Tyson said before the game.

I think my mom was a little more nervous.

Kesi said seeing her husband coaching at WSSU where they met and started dating is something that is like a dream.

This has always been his dream job and to see it come to fruition is just amazing, Kesi said.

Im just so proud of him and what hes doing.

One of Thompsons new players is Wesley Tubbs, who last played at Tallahassee Community College.

He played for the first time at the Gaines Center and had 14 points and five rebounds.

Winston-Salem State's Wesley Tubbs III (3) has a layup blocked by Francis Marion's Alex Atkinson (12) in the second half.

Tubbs didnt sense that his coach was nervous at all.

We all want the same and thats get our first win, Tubbs said.

Theres no pressure.

He doesnt really talk that much about when he played here because hes trying to make his mark as a coach.

The Rams will get some time to fix their problems, such as the 19 turnovers against the Patriots, who improved to 2-2.

The Rams dont play again until Nov.

26 at the Gaines Center against Lander.

We need to execute better down the stretch and thats what hurt us the most, Thompson said.

At times we executed early but then when adversity hit, we kind of reverted to bad habits so well correct those here as we get back into practice.

The Rams allowed the Patriots to score 52 points in the paint, and that cant happen.

We have to be able to guard your man better, Thompson said.

What is an ironic touch to his debut in the Gaines Center is that he once hurt his right hand in a game while playing for the Rams.

Its kind of crazy I did hurt this hand when I was a player, Thompson said.

I just love what I do, and I love coaching, and I just want the guys to play better together.

PHOTOS: Winston-Salem State falls to Francis Marion, 77-71, in men's basketball Francis Marion's Ibrahim Wattara (11) grabs a rebound over Winston-Salem State's Lorenzo Caldwell (1) in the first half of an NCAA mens basketball game on Saturday, Nov.