Two figures closely linked to Northeast Mississippi Community College basketball have died, the college announced Monday. Harvey Childers, who coached the Tigers from 1985 to 1992, and Adrian “Odie” Smith, a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, have both passed away.
The college’s athletic department expressed condolences and remembered the contributions of both individuals to the program’s rich history. Childers was known for his coaching tenure, while Smith gained national recognition for his accomplishments on and off the court.
The college did not specify the causes of death. A memorial service details have not yet been announced. Fans and former players shared their condolences on social media, honoring the legacy of these basketball icons.
