Rodney Mayes was named head men’s basketball coach at Albany State University in April 2026.
With more than a decade of collegiate coaching experience across NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA levels, Mayes has established himself as a respected leader, recruiter, and developer of talent. Throughout his career, he has coached three All-Americans, 18 All-Conference selections, and 26 All-Academic honorees, while helping more than 15 student-athletes advance to professional careers overseas and contributing to the development of multiple NBA and NBA G League players.
Mayes most recently served as head coach at Lyon College, where he led the program for five seasons and guided its transition from NAIA competition into NCAA Division III. During his tenure, he built a strong and competitive foundation, producing multiple winning seasons while navigating significant institutional and competitive change.
Prior to Lyon, Mayes served on the men’s basketball staff at Point University, where he was promoted to associate head coach after joining the program in 2018. During his time with the Skyhawks, he played an integral role in leading the team to an Appalachian Athletic Conference championship and a national top-25 ranking. His responsibilities included opponent scouting, film breakdown, player development, and oversight of strength and conditioning, as well as preseason and postseason training.
Before his tenure at Point, Mayes spent five seasons at the University of West Georgia, where he helped guide the Wolves to an 86–61 record, multiple top-25 national rankings, two conference championships, and three NCAA Tournament appearances. His role focused heavily on player development and scouting, contributing to one of the most successful stretches in program history.
In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, Mayes spent eight years as a professional player and coach internationally, with stops in Tunisia, Argentina, Portugal, Switzerland, Uruguay, Slovakia, and Canada. He also participated in NBA workouts, including opportunities with the Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors, further enhancing his global perspective on the game.
A standout student-athlete, Mayes earned his bachelor’s degree from West Virginia Tech in 2005, where he was recognized as an All-American, First-Team All-Conference selection, and a multi-time Conference Player of the Week. He was also the recipient of the Sparky Adams Heart & Hustle Award and was named the BB&T Scholar-Athlete of the Year. In recognition of his accomplishments, Mayes was inducted into the West Virginia Tech Athletic Hall of Fame.
Mayes began his collegiate career at North Central Missouri College, where he earned his associate degree and was named a JUCO Region 16 All-Star and First-Team All-Region selection.
Mayes is committed to building a program centered on development, accountability, and competitive excellence. He emphasizes creating an environment where student-athletes grow academically, personally, and athletically while representing Albany State with pride.
