Nolan Smith Unveils Dynamic Coaching Staff for Tennessee State University: A New Era Begins!

NASHVILLE — Nolan Smith, the new head men’s basketball coach at Tennessee State University, has assembled his coaching staff for the 2025-26 season. Smith, reflecting on his journey, emphasized the pivotal decision of hiring his team.

“I knew who I wanted from the start,” he said, crediting his time under Coach K for his preparedness. “I was lucky that they were available.”

Smith moved quickly to bring in three experienced assistants: DerMarr Johnson, Vince Taylor, and Dalonte Hill. Johnson played in the NBA for seven seasons and has valuable coaching experience at schools like West Virginia and Cincinnati. Taylor, who has two decades of coaching under his belt, spent the last seven years at UCF, guiding them to key NCAA victories. Hill is known for his elite recruiting skills, with experience at schools including Maryland and Kansas State.

Brandon Lockridge remains as the assistant coach and director of operations, while Bilal “Bizzy” Joseph joins as the first Executive Director of Basketball Strategy & Innovation. His role aims to elevate the program through corporate partnerships and athlete brand development.

Vince Taylor recalled, “I’m not just a coach; I want to build relationships. We’ve got to care about the players and each other.” Over his career, Taylor has proven his ability to attract top talent, including leading UCF to its first NCAA Tournament win.

DerMarr Johnson similarly aims to enhance player development. He has seen success at places like Cincinnati, where he focused on individual plans for athletes. “The goal is to help players grow, on and off the court,” he stated.

Dalonte Hill carries a reputation as a powerhouse recruiter. He helped boost Kansas State’s prominence, working with notable talents like Michael Beasley. Hill’s approach combines hard work and nurturing relationships, essential for building a competitive team.

Brandon Lockridge, a TSU alum, brings invaluable insight into the program. “I know what it means to be a Tiger,” he says. He aims to ensure that current players have a positive and impactful experience.

Bilal Joseph’s innovative role marks a shift in how the program approaches partnerships and outreach. His past achievements with brands like Nike and McDonald’s pave the way for exciting growth opportunities.

As excitement builds for the upcoming season, these coaches hope to create a strong and successful basketball culture at Tennessee State. With their deep experience and shared vision, they’re ready to lead the Tigers into a promising future.

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