By Lennard James
Coach Dorsey Sims III is a name revered not only in the Greater Memphis community but also in the Round Ball World of Sports. Familiarly known as “Lil-Coach,” he has left an indelible mark on the basketball landscape as a Sports Consultant for On the Scene Sports, Inc., and a highly sought-after Sports Analyst, Commentator, and Announcer.
The son of the late legendary 4-time Hall of Famer, Coach Dorsey Sims Jr., Coach Sims III was born into a basketball dynasty. His father’s illustrious career as the Head Assistant Basketball Coach at the University of Memphis, under the late Head Coach Larry Finch, instilled in him a deep passion for the game from an early age. Moreover, his godfather, the late legendary Marcus Haynes, and Coach John McClendon, the first African American to coach a team in the NBA or ABA, further shaped his understanding of basketball’s intricacies.
A proud graduate of Melrose High School Class of ’77, Coach Sims III continued his educational journey at Claremore Jr. College and Oklahoma City University (OCU). During his time at these institutions, he served as the Student Sports Information Director under the tutelage of the late Head Basketball Coach Ken Trickey, refining his skills and knowledge in the sport.
Beyond his achievements on the court, Coach Sims III’s commitment to community involvement is exemplary. He served as the only African American male on the Executive Board of the Special Olympics/Memphis Branch and worked with Suskie Sports, Inc., alongside former NBA Assistant Coach Gerald Oliver, evaluating and selecting players for ABA teams and international franchises.
Coach Sims III’s impact extends globally through his collaboration with the China Basketball Association, facilitating a cultural exchange program for a decade. Additionally, his contributions to local initiatives such as the Awareness Basketball Clinic and the Martin Luther King Jr. Tournament have been instrumental in uplifting the community.
Over the past three decades, Coach Sims III has had the privilege of collaborating with numerous talented players, leaving an indelible mark on the basketball landscape. His dedication to youth development has earned him prestigious awards, including the Shelby County and Memphis Achievers Award on multiple occasions.
Coach Sims III’s commitment to his community is mirrored in his spiritual life as an active member of Olivet Fellowship Baptist Church, where he serves as a Ministerial Assistant and contributes to the Power Ministry Committee.
As Coach Dorsey Sims III continues to make waves in the basketball world, his legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of mentorship, community engagement, and spiritual enrichment. Coach Dorsey Sims III, has been initiative-taking with such events as the Memphis vs Atlanta Classic, Peach State Classic – Atlanta, GA, Rebook Tournament, St. Louis, MO, ESPN Memphis Prep High School Basketball, and the Voice of LeMoyne Owen’s Women & Men Volleyball and Basketball
Coach Dorsey Sims III’s journey is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on the world of sports and beyond. As he continues to inspire and uplift, his legacy will endure for generations to come.
Memphis Sports and Events Center (themsec.com)
Published by: Khy Talara
