Lakers’ Baldwin hired as men’s head head coach at Truett-McConnell
Former Clayton State player served seven seasons as a Laker assistant
 

MORROW, Ga. — JULY 25, 2006 — Cory Baldwin has enjoyed a wonderful tenure at Clayton State in the men’s basketball program, both as a player and an assistant coach. However, Baldwin is taking the next step in his collegiate coaching career as the new head coach at Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland, Ga., effective immediately.

Clayton State men’s head coach Gordon Gibbons made the announcement on Tuesday, and wished Baldwin the best in his new endeavor. Baldwin inherits a Truett-McConnell program that finished 13-14 this past season in the Georgia Junior College Athletic Association.

“We are all excited to see coach Baldwin get this opportunity,” said Gibbons. “He has been an essential part in the success of our program. We wish him well at Truett-McConnell and know he will do an outstanding job.”

Baldwin was a part of the Clayton State program for 11 years – four years as a player and seven as an assistant coach. The Jonesboro, Ga., native played for head coach Jimmy Hebron from 1996-99 and was team captain on the first Clayton State team that was nationally-ranked in NCAA Division II in 1998-99.

Following his playing career, Baldwin spent two seasons as an assistant under Hebron, and the last five seasons under Gibbons. During that time, he has helped transform the Laker program into a national power with a 97-49 record and the Peach Belt Conference championship in the 2001-02 season.

As an assistant under Gibbons, Baldwin has been responsible for assembling each of the last five Clayton State recruiting classes that ranked among the nation’s best. He recruited nationally in junior colleges and in four-year transfers. Baldwin also concentrated his high school recruiting in the Georgia only.

Prior to coming to Clayton State, Baldwin was a two-time all-region and one-time all-state selection at Lake City Christian High School. As a senior captain, he averaged 24 points, nine assists, and five rebounds per game in leading the Suns to a runner-up finish in the state tournament. He was also academically successfully, receiving the H.O.P.E scholarship out of high school.
Baldwin earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Management from Clayton State in 2000. He also holds a Masters degree in Instructional Education from Central Michigan University.