Tennessee State University has announced that former NBA standout Robert Covington is joining head coach Nolan Smith’s staff as the program’s Chief Basketball Officer, adding another accomplished basketball mind to a program coming off one of the most historic seasons in school history.
Covington announced the move through Tennessee State men’s basketball, marking a significant homecoming for one of the most decorated players in program history.
The former Tiger brings an impressive professional résumé to the position. Covington played more than a decade in the NBA, appearing in more than 600 games and earning NBA All-Defensive First Team honors in 2018. He played for the Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers.
A Full-Circle Return to Tennessee State
Covington’s connection to TSU runs deep.
During his collegiate career, Covington became one of the program’s most productive players, earning All-OVC honors three times from 2010-11 through 2012-13. Tennessee State has also recognized him among the school’s notable NBA alumni.
His professional journey is particularly notable because Covington went undrafted in 2013 before signing with the Houston Rockets and beginning his professional career with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
That path ultimately led to an 11-year NBA career.
Now, he returns to the program that helped launch that journey.
Joining a Program on the Rise
Covington’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment for Tennessee State basketball.
Nolan Smith guided the Tigers to a historic 2025-26 campaign in his first season as head coach. TSU captured the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament championship and earned its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1994.
The Tigers also shared the OVC regular-season championship and earned the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament for the first time in 30 years.
Smith has already assembled a staff with significant professional and collegiate experience, including former NBA veteran DerMarr Johnson.
Adding Covington gives the program another voice with firsthand experience navigating the path from college basketball to the NBA.
Covington Can Help Build the Next Generation
The timing of the hire is especially important as Tennessee State looks to sustain the momentum created by its breakthrough season.
The Tigers have already begun building their 2026 roster, adding transfers such as Isaiah Stewart and Leyton McGovern as Smith works to keep Tennessee State competing for OVC championships.
Covington’s experience can provide value well beyond the court.
As Chief Basketball Officer, he can bring an NBA perspective to player development, professional preparation, recruiting relationships and the overall direction of the program.
His presence could also be particularly valuable for players who have aspirations of playing professionally.
Another NBA Connection for TSU
Covington’s return also highlights the growing connection between Tennessee State basketball and the professional game.
Earlier this summer, TSU star Aaron Nkrumah signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Denver Nuggets after a breakout season that earned him OVC Player of the Year honors and helped lead the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament.
Nkrumah’s journey and Covington’s story offer two different examples of how Tennessee State can serve as a launching point for players pursuing professional basketball.
Now, Covington gets an opportunity to help create more of those stories from the other side.
The Next Chapter for Tennessee State Basketball
Nolan Smith’s first season already changed the trajectory of Tennessee State basketball.
With an NCAA Tournament appearance, an OVC championship and now a former NBA standout returning to the program in a leadership role, the Tigers are showing they aren’t satisfied with one breakthrough season.
Robert Covington is coming home—and he’s bringing NBA experience back to Tennessee State as the Tigers look to build something that lasts.
