LeMoyne-Owen College Men's Basketball

    Romero Hill serves as an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at LeMoyne-Owen College. A native of Memphis, TN, Hill brings a strong basketball background and a deep connection to the city, combining championship experience as both a player and coach with a passion for mentoring student athletes.     Hill attended Claflin University, where he earned his degree in Sports Management before later completing his MBA. During his collegiate playing career, Hill established himself as one of the top players in the conference and earned team MVP honors while helping lead the program through a highly competitive era.     Before joining the coaching staff at LeMoyne-Owen College, Hill returned to his alma mater, Whitehaven High School, where he spent two seasons as a coach. During that stretch, the program posted an impressive 52–11 overall record while capturing multiple championships at the city, district and regional levels. The team also advanced to the state semifinals, further highlighting Hill’s ability to help develop winning programs and competitive student athletes.     Hill’s basketball foundation was built under the leadership of Head Coach Faragi Phillips, a mentor he played for during both middle school and high school. Together, the two experienced championship success and developed a strong bond through the game of basketball. That relationship played a major role in bringing Hill to LeMoyne-Owen College, where he saw an opportunity to help build another championship culture alongside a coach who had a lasting impact on his life and career. His connection to the institution also runs deep personally, as both his mother and grandmother are proud graduates of LeMoyne-Owen College.     As a coach, Hill is passionate about helping student athletes develop both on and off the court. He values discipline, growth and leadership while working to prepare players for success beyond basketball. His experiences as both a player and coach allow him to connect with athletes and help guide them through the challenges of collegiate athletics.     Outside of basketball, Hill enjoys traveling to amusement parks, bowling, and long distance running. He credits much of his personal and professional growth to the guidance and wisdom of Coach Faragi Phillips, whose mentorship helped shape his understanding of both basketball and life.     Guided by the scripture Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps,” Hill approaches coaching and life with faith, humility and purpose. His goal at LeMoyne-Owen College is to help leave the program in a stronger position than he found it while contributing to a culture of excellence for the Magicians community.

    Jeremy S. McKinnie serves as an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at LeMoyne-Owen College. A native of Bolivar, McKinnie brings more than 20 years of experience in coaching, education, mentorship and youth development throughout Memphis and the Mid-South.     McKinnie earned his Bachelor of Professional Studies in Sports Administration from University of Memphis in 2004. He later earned a Master of Education in Educational Management with honors from Strayer University before completing a second Master of Education degree in the Arts of Teaching from Grand Canyon University.     Throughout his career, McKinnie has worked as a head coach, assistant coach, and athletic development leader at several programs across the region. His coaching experience includes time at Memphis School of Excellence Cordova, Westwood High School, Kingsbury High School and Memphis Academy of Health Sciences. He also coached on the Puma NXT Circuit with Team Stark and worked with the Mississippi Eagles and Jackson Eagles of the Central Basketball Association.     Currently, McKinnie assists with recruiting, scouting, player development, travel coordination and academic accountability for the Magicians men’s basketball program. During the 2025–26 season, the program finished with a winning record while becoming one of the top defensive teams in NCAA Division II basketball.     Beyond coaching, McKinnie has built a strong reputation in mentorship and community engagement. In 2005, he founded the Memphis Cobras summer basketball program to create opportunities for young athletes. That program later evolved into Team Memphis Heat – Lady Heat and is now known as Team McKinnie Heritage, Leadership, & Honor. What started as an AAU basketball organization quickly expanded into a program that prioritized mentorship and leadership development.     McKinnie’s coaching philosophy is centered on accountability, discipline, and relationships. He believes coaching is about far more than basketball and takes pride in helping student athletes grow academically and personally. His mission at LeMoyne-Owen College is to help build a championship culture while leaving a lasting impact on the young men he mentors each day.