The Cliff Ellis Court at Cumberland Univ

Few coaches in the history of college basketball have as many wins as as the legendary Cliff Ellis. During his college coaching career, that now spans almost 50 years, he has positively influenced the lives of hundreds of college athletes.

Coach Ellis is the only coach in NCAA Division I history to tally 150-plus wins at four institutions (South Alabama, Clemson, Auburn and Coastal Carolina). Each of those four institutions have had teams play in the NCAA Tournament under his leadership.

But as the familiar proverb states, "A journey of a thousand miles begin with one step." For Coach Ellis that first step in his college coaching career began at Cumberland University.

As part of Cumberland's current $500K Athletic Investment Campaign, we have chosen to honor Coach Ellis's fabulous career and legacy at Cumberland by naming the court in the basketball arena the Cliff Ellis Court.

To do this however, we need to raise a minimum of $150,000 for much needed renovations to the arena. 

As a former player, fellow coach, former competitor or simply a friend of Coach Ellis, we hope you will join us in this effort to honor his coaching legacy.