Following-up on something that I mentioned early this am (D2 DIRT). The hiring of James Long at the University of Charleston is now official. Here’s the statement from UC:
The University of Charleston Director of Athletics Dr. Bren Stevens announces the hiring of James Long to take over as the Men’s Basketball Head Coach.
“I am confident that James Long will be an aspiring coach for our basketball players and a great ambassador for the University of Charleston. In working with James throughout the hiring process, I was deeply impressed with his gravitas, character, and ability to communicate meaningfully with all the individuals involved in the search process. With both a high basketball IQ and an equally impressive EQ (Emotional Intelligence), Coach Long is poised to have a brilliant career as he leads the Golden Eagles into the future.”
Long spent the 2023-2024 season as the Head Boys Basketball Coach at Davidson Day School where he helped lead the team to a 24-7 record. Long was able to drastically improve the squads win percentage, improving from 22% to 77% as well as going on to win the State Championship in NCISAA 2A division.
Long spent a three-year stint at West Virginia University Tech as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach. During his time at WVU Tech, Long held a career record of 62-21 (75% win percentage). Long took the team to the NAIA National Tournament all three years and was named the River States Conference Coach of the Year in the 2019-2020 season.
Long is also currently the head coach of Best Virginia, a team that competes in The Basketball Tournament. Since taking over in June of 2021, Long has posted a 6-3 record along with winning the West Virginia Regional in the team’s last appearance.
Long began his career as the video coordinator for West Virginia University men’s basketball from 2017-2019.
Long is a WVU graduate and was member of the men’s basketball team where he played under Bob Huggins. Long amassed multiple accolades during his time at WVU including First-Team Academic All-Big 12, the Mountaineer man award, was a member of the Dean’s List, the Garrett Ford Academic Honor Roll, the Big 12w Commissioner’s Honor Roll, and was a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
Long earned both his master’s degree in sports management and bachelor’s degree in finance from WVU.
“I am thrilled to express my immense happiness in returning home,” said Long. “This job has been a lifelong dream, originating from my childhood days in Charleston. Throughout the interview process, it became evident that this prestigious university is exceptionally well-aligned from top to bottom. I am deeply excited about the opportunity to learn under the leadership of Dr. Roth and Dr. Stevens, and to integrate myself into the close-knit community they have cultivated. Leading the Men’s Basketball program here at UC fills me with unparalled excitement. Coach Osborne has laid a remarkable foundation over the past 11 years, and it is our aim to build upon that momentum. This is a unique opportunity that I will forever cherish. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Roth, Dr. Stevens and the entire search committee for entrusting me with the responsibility to lead their program.”
