Hawks Nominee Lorenzo Bailey Earns Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Scholastic Coach of the Year Award
The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA announced today that Lorenzo Bailey, a teacher and multi-sport coach at Elite Scholars Academy in Jonesboro, has been named the 2026 Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Scholastic Coach of the Year. Bailey becomes the first nominee from the Hawks organization to receive the national distinction, underscoring his commitment to developing student-athletes through education and service.
In recognition of the honor, Bailey was surprised with a celebration at Elite Scholars Academy, where more than 600 students, faculty and staff gathered to mark the achievement. Hawks alumni Salim Stoudamire and members of the Hawks Entertainment team were on-site to present Bailey with a plaque trophy. Bailey will also receive a $2,000 grant and coaching resources from the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA to support youth initiatives at the school, in addition to the $1,000 grant he received as one of five national finalists.
“To be selected as the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Scholastic Coach of the Year is a tremendous honor,” said Bailey. “This award is a reflection of the incredible students, families, colleagues and communities that have supported me throughout my journey as a coach and educator. I want to thank the Atlanta Hawks for recognizing the work being done to empower young people through sport, as well as the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA for continuing to highlight coaches who are committed to making a lasting impact.”
The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Scholastic Coach of the Year award, presented in partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance, recognizes a school coach who exemplifies integrity, promotes character development and creates lasting positive experiences for student-athletes that extend beyond the realm of athletics.
Each year, the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA honors one Scholastic Coach of the Year and one Community Coach of the Year. NBA, WNBA, and G League teams are invited to submit nominations for a local coach to be considered in either category. Bailey was selected following a comprehensive evaluation process, which included public voting, a formal interview and review by an executive panel.
“Lorenzo’s impact is a testament to the difference one coach can make when they invest in the growth of young people,” said Jon Babul, Vice President of Basketball Programs for the Atlanta Hawks. “For nearly two decades, he has used his platform as an educator to create meaningful opportunities, helping student-athletes reach their full potential. We are proud to celebrate Lorenzo as the first Hawks nominee to earn this national recognition as the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Scholastic Coach of the Year and grateful for the example he continues to set for coaches and athletes throughout our community.”
Bailey’s influence at Elite Scholars Academy extends across classrooms, athletic programs and generations of student-athletes. As a teacher and multi-sport coach, he leads several athletic programs, including middle school boys’ basketball, creating opportunities for growth as competitors and individuals. A former basketball player at Millsaps College, Bailey brings a deep understanding of the game and a belief that coaching is an opportunity to shape lives. That same commitment has guided his service beyond the school community, including teaching English and basketball through Mission First in Africa, supporting mental health and recovery initiatives, providing free haircuts to individuals in need and mentoring young men through the Changing Boys into Men program. Through every opportunity to serve, Bailey has remained dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impression on those around him.
His recognition reflects the Hawks Basketball Academy’s ongoing commitment to empowering coaches to use basketball as a vehicle for character development and meaningful community impact. Through initiatives such as the annual Hawks and Skyhawks Coaches Clinic, the Academy continues to invest in coach education, equipping and uplifting leaders with the tools, resources and support needed to make a positive impact on the communities they serve.
To learn more about the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Coach of the Year program, visit jr.nba.com/coachoftheyear.
To learn more about Hawks basketball programs, visit Hawks.com/basketballacademy.