SCF Names Elliot Washington New Head Basketball Coach

BRADENTON — State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota has named SCF alum and 2013 Coach of the Year honoree Elliot Washington as the men's basketball head coach. He assumes his position immediately. Washington, a former basketball player and SCF assistant coach, says he's excited to return to SCF.

"I thank SCF President Dr. Probstfeld, Dr. Bowman, Matt Ennis and the faculty for giving me an opportunity to lead the basketball program in a positive direction. It's an honor to continue the legacy of giving back to the community that supported me early in my college career. I am passionate about molding our student-athletes to be winners in the classroom and on the court," Washington said.

Prior to coming to SCF, Washington served as the boy's head basketball coach at Southeast High School for more than 14 years. He was named 2013 Florida Athletic Coaches Association District 16 Class 5A Coach of the Year.

Washington was a player agent for the National Basketball Player's Association (NBPA), responsible for recruiting college and professional athletes to play professional basketball in the National Basketball Association and in Europe, Latin America and other overseas professional basketball leagues. He also has taught offensive and defensive basketball fundamentals at IMG Academy and summer basketball camp at the University of South Florida.

Washington earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Bienville University. He served as assistant coach at SCF, then Manatee Community College, under Hall of Fame Coach John "Chip" Sines from 1996-1998, and he played on the basketball team for Hall of Fame Coach Harry Kinnan in 1989-90 and 1990-91. After graduating from SCF in 1991, he continued his college basketball career at the University of Alabama.

"We are excited to welcome Elliot back to SCF, and we are confident he has the skills needed to provide the leadership to our basketball program and build upon the success of this past season. His experience as a student-athlete, agent for professional basketball players and his established track record as a coach in our community provide him with the ability to evaluate and recruit the best talent to SCF," said SCF Athletic Director Matt Ennis.

"He is the complete package to take the basketball program to the next level of success. We are impressed with his longstanding focus on encouraging student-athletes to pursue and complete a postsecondary education," said Dr. Donald Bowman, SCF vice president of student affairs.