Biography | Henry Dickerson, Trailblazer | Henry Dickerson - Mocs on the Mic 56

CHATTANOOGA --- Henry Dickerson, former Chattanooga Mocs men's basketball head coach and longtime assistant, passed away Thursday evening at the age of 71. Dickerson (1951-2023) was born in Beckley, West Virginia.
 
Dickerson became the first Black head coach in Chattanooga men's basketball history ahead of the 1997-98 season after serving as an associate head coach for UTC Hall of Famer Mack McCarthy for eight seasons. He was integral in the Mocs' incredible 90's run and helped form the mold that would result in an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance, and so much more.
 
As McCarthy's right-hand man and top recruiter, Dickerson was credited with securing the talent of future NBA first round pick Johnny Taylor, in addition to program stars such as Willie Young, Chris Mims, Maurio Hanson, Brandon Born and Chad Copeland.
 
During his five-year tenure as head coach, Dickerson's teams went 72-73 overall and captured two Southern Conference South Division Championships in 1998 and 2002. He helped develop All-SoCon talent in David Phillips (1998), Rashun Coleman (2000) and Oliver Morton (2000, 2001) and saw four All-SoCon Tournament selections with 2001 Most Outstanding Player Toot Young highlighting the list.
 
The Southern Conference Racial Equity and Justice Task Force recognized Dickerson in 2021 as the group featured 79 trailblazers as part of the SoCon Alfred White Trailblazer Recognition initiative. This initiative was developed in conjunction with the conference's 100th anniversary to honor Black student-athletes, faculty and administrators who have paved the way and contributed to the success of those who came after them in the league.
 
Dickerson also received the Joe Morrison Award during UTC Athletics Hall of Fame ceremonies back in 2020. The Joe Morrison Award recognizes a former UTC student-athlete or coach for their notable accomplishments and life experience.
 
A proud West Virginian, Dickerson was a standout hooper in his home state at the University of Charleston, earning first team all-conference honors all four seasons and notching NAIA All-American status. From 1996-1997, Dickerson competed in the NBA ranks as a member of the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks.

Visitation services for Henry will be held Saturday, August 19 at Peace Missionary Baptist Church from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. ET in Durham, North Carolina (2608 NC Hwy 55). Funeral services will commence directly after the visitation hour.  
 
Henry Dickerson Remembered
Johnny Taylor (former player, 1995-97): "Henry is super special to me because he came and found me when no one else was looking for me, so without Coach Dickerson, Johnny Taylor probably wouldn't have jumped on the map. He was a very good recruiter and had an eye for talent. I mean, he could spot talent anywhere and he was an integral part of UTC's legacy. I recall him being there for me at a critical point when things were going on with my family, he was right there, and he held on to our forever secret. You could trust him, go to him with issues, and feel safe with him. My heart is broken into pieces that he's going to get his flowers. He will forever be remembered in my heart and the lives of my family. I send out my condolences to the Dickerson family and pray that they can have strength during this critical time."
 
Mack McCarthy (former head coach, 1985-97): "Henry Dickerson was a huge part of the incredible success of Chattanooga Mocs basketball. The players he recruited and coached were responsible for some of the greatest accomplishments in UTC history. Henry had a positive impact on every program with which he was involved. In the highly competitive and sometimes contentious business of college athletics, he had no enemies. An incredible friend, everyone liked and respected Henry. Henry Dickerson was a great coach, and he was an even better man."
 
Brandon Born (former player, 1991-95): "We are fortunate that Coach D was our coach and in our lives. He brought us all together as a family, and his heart was filled with passion and unwavering dedication. May we carry his spirit within us, always striving to lead with inspiration and steadfast commitment to excellence."

GoMocs.com is the official website of the Chattanooga Mocs. Buy officially licensed gear in our online store. The Mocs can also be followed on their official Facebook page or on Twitter. Find out how to join the Mocs Club and support more than 300 student-athletes by clicking here.