WASHINGTON (October 16, 2025) - To round out his coaching staff for the 2025-26 season, head coach Kenneth Blakeney has hired Nate James to serve as an associate head coach, joining Rod Balanis as staff members with that title. His hiring marks a homecoming for James, who spent his high school years in the DMV while becoming a McDonald's All-American at St. John's Catholic Prep.
 
Most recently, James spent two seasons as the head coach at Austin Peay State University (2021-23) and brings a wealth of high-level Division I experience from his decade-plus at Duke University, working under Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and six-time national champion "Coach K" Mike Krzyzewski.
 
James spent 13 years at his alma mater, Duke, working his way up from an assistant strength & conditioning coach to associate head coach. During his time at Duke, the Blue Devils made 11 NCAA Tournaments, won five ACC (Atlanta Coastal Conference) Tournament Championships, one regular season ACC Championship and two national championships (2010 & 2015).
 
He coached 25 NBA Draft Picks, including NBA All-Stars Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. He worked with the program's big men, helping recruit and develop Williamson into the 2019 National Player of the Year and Vernon Carey Jr., into the 2020 National Freshman of the Year. Other big men who made the NBA under James' tutelage include: Lance Thomas; The Plumlee Brothers (Miles, Mason and Marshall); Amile Jefferson; Jahlil Okafor; Mark Williams; Marvin Bagley III and Wendell Carter Jr.
 
During Coach K's tenure with USA Basketball, James assisted each summer with Olympic Training Camp. He helped with all practices and film sessions to prepare the team for Olympic competition – playing a crucial role in the Gold Medal summers of 2008, 2012 and 2016.
 
"Adding Nate James is a powerhouse addition to our coaching staff this season," said Coach Blakeney. "As a former head coach and someone synonymous with winning, Nate will bring a level of expertise and basketball acumen that will help elevate the program in everything from game strategy to player development and recruitment."
 
Before getting into coaching, James had a six-year overseas playing career that took him across the globe featuring stops in Bosnia, Brazil, France, Germany, Greece, The Netherlands, Hungary, Italy and Russia. He was part of league championship teams in The Netherlands and Hungary.
 
As a player at Duke (1996-01), James was part of five straight ACC Regular Season Championships – a feat no other player in ACC History has accomplished. He also won three ACC Tournament Championships and the 2001 National Championship, alongside Shane Battier, Mike Dunleavy Jr., and Chris Duhon.
 
"The Duke Brotherhood has meant so much to me across the course of my career," said James. "When I was considering my next coaching stop, the opportunity to join a fellow Dukie in Coach Blakeney at The Mecca of Black Excellence, back in the DMV, was one I could not pass up. I'm looking forward to immersing myself in all aspects of #TheDreamFactory."
 
For more information, visit the official Howard Athletics website www.hubison.com.