Sammy Jackson
Montevallo, 1986

Called one of the brightest assistants in the game, the 2006-07 campaign will be Jackson's sixth as a member of the Bulldog program.

Following his second season on "the Hill", Jackson took a one-year stint with the University of Alabama that included a trip to the NCAA Tournament. He then returned to Normal and assisted with the program's journey to a SWAC title sweep of the regular season and the conference tournament and a subsequent trip to the NCAA Tournament.

Jackson originally came to A&M from Savannah State University where he was head coach. Prior to taking over the reigns at Savannah State, Jackson served as the top assistant at Georgia Southern.

Jackson, a native of Headland, Ala., began his coaching career in 1993 at Auburn as a restricted earnings assistant for the late Tommy Joe Eagles. He then moved to an administrative position under Cliff Ellis. Before moving to Auburn, he served as head assistant varsity coach at Butler High School in Huntsville, Alabama, for four years.

Jackson served on the staff of Frankie Allen at Tennessee State for one season. During his stay, the Tigers finished the 1994-95 regular season as Ohio Valley Conference co-champions.

Jackson, an all-conference and all-state selection at Headland High School, played guard and forward at the University of Montevallo. There, he was an all-conference selection and team captain for coach Rob Spivery - now head coach at Southern University-Baton Rouge. His senior season he averaged 14.6 points (led the team), 3.2 rebounds and 1.0 steals per contest. He then proceeded to play professionally with the Rockford Lightning of the Continental Basketball Association during the 1986-87 season.

A member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Jackson received his degree in mass communications from the University of Montevallo in 1986.

Born on September 14, 1964, Jackson and his wife Phoebe, a Sylacauga, Ala., native, have two sons, Desmond (a member of the AAMU team) and Devin. The Jacksons reside in Madison, Ala.
 

Willie Hayes
Alabama A&M, 1990

Willie Hayes has completed 12 seasons as Vann Pettaway's top assistant. The Bulldogs have won over 200 games since Hayes joined the Bulldog staff.

One of the best point guards to ever play for A&M, Hayes thrilled Bulldog fans with his pinpoint passing and deadly shooting. He held the school record for career assists with 669 until Craig Lottie surpassed the mark in 1997, by just four. Still, Hayes will always be known for his fantastic performances on the court.

In 116 games as a player in the Bulldog program, Hayes averaged 14.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 2.0 steals per game. He shot 47.4 percent from the floor, 35.3 percent from three-point range and 62.2 percent from the free throw line for his career. Total, he tallied 1,688 points as a Bulldog. He earned All-SIAC and All- American honors in 1988 and 1989. He was a member of the SIAC All-Tournament team in 1989. Hayes was also named SIAC Player of the Year in 1989. During that year, Hayes was named A&M Male Athlete of the Year. For his efforts and accomplishments on the floor, Hayes was inducted into the Alabama A&M Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.

Hayes played his high school ball for coach Willie Ford at Abrams High.

After his adventures at A&M, Hayes signed as a free agent with the New Jersey Nets of the NBA. He participated as a member of the Nets summer league team. He was drafted in 1989 by Sioux Falls of the Continental Basketball League.

Born in Bessemer, Ala., on July 12, 1967, Hayes is the youngest of Queen E. Hayes' 11 children, including nine sons. He received his degree in physical education from Alabama A&M in 1990. Hayes and his wife Preanza have two children, an infant daughter, Aamirah, and a step-daughter, Chrystal.
 

THE HAYES FILE
Birthplace:	Bessemer, Alabama
Education:	B.S., Physical Education, Alabama A&M, 1990
Hayes	1985 graduate of Abrams H.S.
Playing Experience:	1989 draft pick of Sioux Falls Skyforce (CBA)
Hayes	Free agent of the New Jersey Nets (NBA)
Hayes	Point Guard, Alabama A&M, 1986-90
Hayes	Finished career as all-time assist leader with 669
Hayes	Averaged 14.6 ppg and 5.8 apg
Hayes	All-SIAC and All-American (1988 & 1989)
Coaching Experience:	Assistant Coach, Alabama A&M, 1994-present