Date Posted: 7/12/2006

KENNESAW, Ga. - July 12, 2006 - Kennesaw State head women's basketball coach Colby Tilley announced on Wednesday, the addition of James Black as assistant coach.

No stranger to the South, Black, a native of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, comes to the Lady Owls program after spending the last seven seasons at Augustana College, a Division III school in Rock Island, Illinois. He has spent the last five years as the Vikings head coach after serving his first two seasons as an assistant.

Black will assist in all aspects for the Lady Owls program, including recruiting, on-court coaching and academic support. In addition, he will also help with film exchange and the development of post players.

"We are extremely pleased to have James join our program," said Tilley. "To be able to work with a coach who has so much experience is going to be a great positive for our team this year and in years to follow."

While the head coach at Augustana, Black managed all aspects of the program and is a disciplinarian both on and off the court, he led the Vikings to their best finish since 1993 and had at least one Academic All-American Nominee in four of the five years.

Prior to his time at Augustana, Black spent two years as an assistant coach at Morehead State University. He began his coaching career at Walters State Community College in Morristown, Tennessee, where he spent ten years as an assistant.

"I am looking forward to being a part of this program," said Black. "With Coach Tilley and Coach Coleman, the team has a winning history and a strong tradition of excellence. Equally as important, the program has integrity and I look forward to contributing in every aspect of the team's growth and success."

As a player, Black began his career playing at Roane State Community College in Harriman, Tennessee. After transferring to Lee College, his career was cut short due to a knee injury.

"Being a former player as well as being a former head coach makes James invaluable," added Tilley. "In addition he'll be able to help with recruiting in different parts of the country in which we have previously had limited exposure."

A member of the Black Coaches Association and the Women's Basketball Coaching Association, Coach Black is excited to be a new part of the KSU family.

"There is such strong tradition, both athletically and academically, here at Kennesaw State," added Black. "The area is so marketable to young student-athletes and the campus is progressive and is accessible from anywhere in the country."

Black replaces former assistant coach Ginny Boggess, who accepted a similar position at Hofstra University. Black and his wife Carol reside in Adairsville and have one daughter, Monique (23).