Saint Elizabeth University Men's Basketball

James Adams was named the permanent Director of Athletics at Saint Elizabeth University in May 2026 after a transformational two-year interim tenure. A strategic leader and championship-winning coach, Adams oversees 13 varsity programs and has been the architect behind the university's transition to the new CUNYAC conference and the modernization of the university's athletic footprint. “James Adams has demonstrated steady leadership, professionalism, and a deep commitment to our student-athletes and the mission of Saint Elizabeth University while serving as Interim Director of Athletics,” said Dr. Gary Crosby, President of Saint Elizabeth University. “Throughout this period of transition, he has earned the respect of our students, coaches, and campus community through his collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence. His vision for Eagle Athletics aligns strongly with our mission-centered values and our commitment to student success both on the field and in the classroom. I am confident that under James’ leadership, our athletic programs will continue to grow in competitiveness, integrity, and impact.” Administrative Leadership & Institutional Impact Since assuming leadership of the athletics department, Adams has orchestrated a period of unprecedented structural modernization. Following a comprehensive national search, he was selected to lead the department into its next chapter, focusing on elevating departmental standards and ensuring student-athletes have the resources to thrive as leaders. Under his leadership, the department has achieved a 3.06 cumulative GPA, reflecting a culture that prioritizes academic achievement alongside competitive grit. Head Coaching Tenure: A Championship Era In addition to his administrative duties, Adams is entering his sixth season leading the Men’s Basketball program. He has elevated the Eagles to heights never seen in program history, defined by a "Defense First" philosophy has earned numerous conference and national honors. 2023-24: The Championship Season The 2023-24 campaign was a landmark year of "firsts" for the Eagles. Adams coached the team to a program-record 18 wins shattering the previous high of 13. On February 21, 2024, the Eagles captured the United East Skye Division Championship with a 65-56 victory over Wilson College—the first conference title in program history. Additionally, Adams set new program benchmarks for conference wins (12) and the longest winning streak (5). The Eagles led the division in field goal percentage, scoring margin, and assists per game, while also leading in blocks, FG% defense, and rebound margin. Individual Player Development Under Adams’ mentorship, the Eagles have consistently produced elite individual talent: Tye-Rell Monroe: Scored over 2,000 career points and named an all-conference performer for three consecutive seasons. Second in the nation in scoring during the 2024-25 season. D’Angelo Blackmond: A two-time All-Conference selection who became only the second player in program history to record 1,000 points and 500 rebounds. Pierre Harden: Named Defensive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons and became the first Eagle to average a double-double for a season. Jonathan Ramos: Earned Second Team All-Conference honors after shooting 43% from three-point range in conference play.  Joseph Mazzola: Scored over 1,000 career points and holds the program record for 3pt percentage in a season (43.6%). Elite Professional Pedigree Prior to Saint Elizabeth, Adams built an extensive resume at the NCAA Division I and II levels: University of Richmond (DI): Served as Video Coordinator under Chris Mooney. He was part of the staff that led the Spiders to a No. 2 finish in the Atlantic 10 (2019-20) and an NIT Quarterfinals appearance. He worked directly with student-athletes who advanced to the NBA G-League and professional leagues in Italy, Cyprus, and Canada. Georgian Court University (DII): Spent four seasons as the top assistant coach, managing player development for four 1000-point scorers and directing recruiting operations. During the 2017-18 season, Adams helped Georgian Court to a top-25 national ranking in Defensive Field Goal Percentage as the team's defensive coordinator. Professional & Early Career: Served as an assistant coach with the Jersey Express (ABA). In his lone season with the team, Adams helped the Express qualify for the Northeast Divisional Playoffs. He has previously held operations and compliance internships at Princeton University and Seton Hall University. About James Adams A native of West Orange, NJ, Adams graduated cum laude from the University of South Carolina Honors College, the nation's top-ranked honors program at the time. A Division I track athlete, he competed in the long and triple jump for the Gamecocks and was a four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Sport and Entertainment Management with a minor in Business Administration Adams is one of 3 children born to James and Geniece Adams and one of 3 brothers to compete in track & field at the Division 1 level. He currently resides in Hillside, New Jersey, with his wife, Brea, and daughter, Bella.

Saint Elizabeth head men's basketball coach James Adams announced the addition of Hank Johnson to his staff as an assistant coach on November 8, 2021. Coach Johnson joined the men's basketball program after serving in the same role for 2 seasons at Sussex County Community College. He was a pivotal contributor to the 2023-24 United East Skye Division Championship run. "Coach Johnson is a coach who really works hard and developing players on and off the court," says head coach James Adams. "I am super excited to have a coach in our program with his level of basketball knowledge and experience developing pro players." Johnson has over fifteen years of experience that spans all levels of men's basketball. He has found success at the college, high school, AAU and middle school levels. Prior to Sussex, Johnson served as the head coach of the Piscataway High School Boy's JV basketball program. He led the team in winning two consecutive JV championships over St. Joseph Metuchen High School. Prior to Piscataway High School, Johnson was an assistant coach for D2 Georgian Court University where his work encompassed a wide range of responsibilities including recruiting, player development and community outreach. He also provided academic support to ensure that players maintained their NCAA eligibility.  Johnson also had the opportunity to work with Saint Joseph High School in Metuchen, NJ. He went on to win the Tournament of Champions with St. Joe's during the 2013-14 season. That team featured the number one overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft (Karl-Anthony Towns). Additionally, Johnson coached at Manville High School and Piscataway Vo-tech where he helped with player development and in-game strategy. He was instrumental in the program development of NJABC and Team Attack at the AAU level. Johnson graduated from Rutgers University and has many years of experience in Tax and Accounting services. He brings an in depth understanding of hard work, professionalism and personal dedication to the players he coaches. Johnson resides in Belle Mead, NJ with his wife. Hank Johnson Coaching Experience Saint Elizabeth University Assistant Coach 2021-Present Sussex County Community College Assistant Coach 2019-2021 Piscataway High School Assistant Coach 2016-2019 Georgian Court University Assistant Coach 2015-16 Manville High School Assistant Coach 2014-15 Saint Joseph Metuchen High School Assistant Coach 2013-14 Piscataway Vo-Tech Assistant Coach 2011-2013 NJ ABC AAU Assistant Coach 2009-2011  

Malamin Kaba serves as an Assistant Coach for the Saint Elizabeth University Men's Basketball program, where he brings the perspective of both a former player and an emerging leader in collegiate athletics. A proud Saint Elizabeth alumnus, Kaba competed under Head Coach James Adams and contributed to the program's 2023-24 United East Skye Division Championship. In his coaching role and player development efforts, Kaba assists with game strategy, recruiting, scouting, and player mentorship_emphasizing discipline, accountability, and a championship mindset. Beyond his work on the court, Kaba maintains a professional presence within the basketball community on both Instagram and TikTok, where he shares coaching insights, motivational content and player-development perspectives. With long-term aspirations to coach at the collegiate or professional level, Kaba continues to grow as a leader while contributing meaningfully to the success and culture of the Saint Elizabeth University men's basketball program. His social media platforms, @Kab2times and @TheHoopGeneral, reflect his passion for the game and commitment to developing student-athletes. He is currently earning his Master’s in Management at Saint Elizabeth University, further strengthening his leadership, organizational, and team-development skills.