Steve Rives built one of the most accomplished careers in Mississippi basketball history, earning distinction at every level of the game. A native of Newton, Mississippi, Rives compiled a staggering career coaching record of 752-298 over three decades across high school and college basketball. Most notably, he served as the head men’s basketball coach at Delta State University from 1986 to 2006, where he became the winningest coach in program history.

During his 20-year tenure at Delta State, Rives guided the Statesmen to four Gulf South Conference titles and nine NCAA Division II Tournament appearances, including a Final Four in 1987 and Elite Eight appearances in 1987 and 1998. His 2005–06 squad achieved a school-record 30-2 season and featured C Spire Bailey Howell Trophy winner Jasper Johnson. Rives was named Gulf South Conference Coach of the Year four times and earned National Division II Coach of the Year honors in 2006. He finished his college career with a 401-201 record, including 11 20-win seasons.

Before his collegiate success, Rives was a dominant force in Mississippi high school basketball. At Jackson Prep (1974–1982), he led the Patriots to a 260-23 record, five AAA titles, and four overall championships, with two undefeated seasons. He also coached at McCluer Academy, Hanging Moss Academy, East Central Community College, and Louisiana College, steadily building a legacy of competitive excellence.

Rives was inducted into the Hinds Community College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Delta State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007. In 2010, he was named the Gulf South Conference West Division Coach of the Decade. Known for his character as much as his coaching acumen, Rives was a longtime supporter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes throughout his career.