Jim Homer
James Homer | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Columbus, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | October 15, 1992 (aged 70) |
| Occupation(s) | Basketball player, coach, athletic director |
| Years active | 1940s–? |
| Known for | Playing for Syracuse Nationals; coaching at Livingston State College |
James Powell Homer (born December 5, 1921 – died October 15, 1992) was a notable figure in American basketball, both as a player and a coach. He competed for two seasons with the Syracuse Nationals in the National Basketball League (NBL). Homer earned All-American honors during his collegiate career at the University of Alabama and subsequently transitioned into coaching at the collegiate level.
Originating from Columbus High School in Columbus, Georgia, Homer enrolled at Alabama. During the 1942–43 season, he ranked second in scoring within the Southeastern Conference (SEC), trailing only Tulane’s Bob Duffy.
Following a three-year tenure in the United States Navy throughout World War II, Homer returned to college basketball for the 1946–47 season. That year, he established a new SEC scoring record by accumulating 268 points and received third-team All-American recognition from the Helms Athletic Foundation.
Upon completing his college career, Homer joined the Syracuse Nationals, where he maintained an average of 9.4 points per game across 115 contests spanning two NBL seasons.
After retiring as a player, Homer assumed the role of head basketball coach at Livingston State College (now known as the University of West Alabama). His responsibilities extended to head baseball coach and assistant football coach positions, and he eventually advanced to serve as the institution’s athletic director.