Gibbons to be inducted Florida’s ‘Court of Legends’

Morrow, GA – Clayton State University head coach Gordon Gibbons has amassed over 700 victories throughout his coaching career, and this weekend he will be recognized for his legendary career.

Gibbons will be named to the Florida Association of Basketball Coaches (FABC) "Court of Legends" on Sunday in a ceremony at the Lakeland Center in Lakeland, FL. Gibbons will be one of 10 basketball legends inducted into the Association's Hall of Fame, which includes both coaches and players. A couple of other notably inductees in this year's class, which will be the Association's fourth class, include former NBA greats Artis Gilmore and Otis Smith.

"Coach Gibbons has, and continues to, touch the lives of many young men," said Clayton State Athletic Director Carl McAloose. "It is great to see that he is being honored with such a prestigious award for all of his outstanding accomplishments. "

Before becoming Clayton State's third head coach in 2001, Gibbons spent almost 25 years coaching in Florida at both the collegiate and high school levels.

In 10 years at Florida Southern, he compiled a 246-65 record, averaging over 25 wins per season. He is the winningest coach at Florida Southern and reached 300 wins faster than any coach in NCAA Division II history.

Gibbons led Florida Southern to one NCAA Division II "Final Four", two "Elite Eight" appearances and one "Sweet Sixteen." He was selected the Sunshine State Conference Coach of the Year in 1996, 1997 and 1999.

At the high school level, he coached at both Jesuit and Tampa Catholic and finished with a combined 264-122 record and earned four trips to the Final Four. In addition, he led Team Florida in AAU competition to two national championships in 1983 and 1984.

"It is an honor to be included into this prestigious group," said Gibbons. "To be considered a part of Florida's basketball tradition is the ultimate."

At Clayton State, Gibbons has continued his winning ways over the past 11 years. Along with being Florida Southern's winningest coach, he also has more wins than any other Laker coach with 206.

Gibbons has led the Lakers to two NCAA Division II National tournaments, including a "Sweet Sixteen" Appearance. Under his guidance, the Lakers have captured two conference championship titles. He was selected as the John "Whack" Hyder State of Georgia Men's College Coach of the Year by the Atlanta Tip-Off Club in 2007.

Overall, Gibbons has a 452-183 record at the NCAA Division II level and is one of the most successful collegiate coaches in the country.