ANDERSON, S.C. – Anderson University Men's Basketball Head Coach Ben Thompson and the Anderson University Athletics Department have announced the hiring of Assistant Coach Jameel Taylor.
 
"We are incredibly excited to have Jameel join our staff." Said Thompson. "Coach Taylor is a native of Anderson and is one of the best players in SAC history. He is a bright basketball mind, a man of high character, and we are blessed to have him with us as part of our program."
 
A native of Anderson, S.C., Taylor joins staff at Anderson after three seasons as the Men's Basketball Assistant Coach at North Greenville University. Taylor returns to the sidelines with a wealth of basketball experience, having competed as a standout in the South Atlantic Conference before continuing his career professionally. His playing background brings a valuable perspective and a strong competitive edge to his coaching career.
 
"I am blessed for the opportunity to come back home and join this program." said Taylor. "The Electric City is a great place to be, and I have admired AU for a long time as a native of Anderson. I am looking forward to helping this team achieve greater heights."
 
At North Greenville, Taylor assisted the program to 18 wins, the most in over a decade, along with a Northwest Division Championship as part of the Conference Carolinas and a Division I victory over Gardner-Webb. Prior to his time at NGU, he made the Elite 8 as a member of the Catawba Women's Basketball Coaching Staff that notched multiple SAC Championships.
 
Taylor began his basketball career at T.L. Hanna High School before continuing to play collegiately at Catawba College from 2014 to 2019. During his time playing for the Catawba Indians, Taylor established himself as one of the program's most accomplished players. He was a key contributor to the 2019 South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Championship team and was named SAC Defensive Player of the Year. His performance also earned All-Region First Team recognition. On the court, he ranks among the best in program history—finishing 4th all-time in career points, 4th in career steals, and holds the record as the all-time leader in free throws made.
 
At the conclusion of his collegiate career, he continued to pursue the game professionally, competing overseas in Lithuania during the 2019-2020 season. Taylor's international experience adds a valuable perspective to the program.
 
"Coach Taylor is a native of Anderson and is one of the best players in SAC history. He is a bright basketball mind, a man of high character, and we are blessed to have him with us as part of our program." added Thompson. "We look forward to welcoming him back home to the Electric City."
 
The 2026-27 campaign tips off Monday, Nov. 9, when Anderson hosts Morehouse College in the first matchup between the two programs. Tipoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. in Abney Athletic Center.