AVON — Journeymen in any field of endeavor learn to appreciate the diversity of experiences at each stop. During his much traveled basketball coaching career, Marlon Dorsey finds himself in year one of a new program coaching the Riverside Lady Bulldogs.
Not matter where he has landed his presence and style are undeniable. He is unapologetic in his animated coaching style. “A lot of people look at me on the sidelines and think I’m just hollering at the players,” he said. “But that’s just the passion I have for the game and I’m trying to inspire that into the players.”
Dorsey’s coaching stints include Greenville High, Gentry, JFK Mound Bayou, Northside and Ruleville Central. His objective for his most recent assignment is crystal clear.
“Me personally, the culture I’m trying to build is where we hold each other accountable and consistently play at a high level,” he explained. “I love coaching and teaching the game.”
During his collegiate days, Dorsey learned from one of the best to ever coach the game legendary Oklahoma State head coach Eddie Sutton.
It was during this time that Dorsey learned that basketball was not only a game but a tool and a pathway worthy of respect.
“The most lasting lesson that I’ve learned along the way has a never cheat the game,” he said. “That’s the biggest thing to me. Don’t cheat the game. I don’t care where I coach or if I coach girls, boys, young or old. When someone decides that they want to play this game, they should learn as much as possible and play as hard as possible.”
