Northern Kentucky University announced the hiring of David Watkins as an assistant coach for its men’s basketball team, a move that brings a blend of playing experience and coaching expertise to the program.
A career built on development and competition
Watkins previously served as an assistant at Radford University, where he helped the Highlanders to a 16‑16 record and a third‑place finish in the Big South, and later worked as defensive coordinator at Daytona State College, a program that achieved back‑to‑back 28‑win seasons and consecutive appearances in the NJCAA National Tournament.
He also spent a year as a graduate assistant at Virginia Commonwealth University, contributing to a Rams squad that finished 49‑18 and earned an NCAA Tournament berth.
Before moving into coaching, Watkins played guard at the University of New Hampshire, appearing in 96 games and being part of two back‑to‑back 20‑win seasons. He holds a master’s degree in sport leadership from VCU and a bachelor’s degree in sport studies with a minor in business administration from New Hampshire.
Watkins will work alongside Darrin Horn and other assistants, including Mike Rhoades and Vince Williams Jr., and will be involved with players such as Jamir Watkins, Ace Baldwin, Brandon Johns Jr., Jalen DeLoach, Josue Grullon and Isaiah Dorceus as they prepare for the upcoming season.
University leaders said they are confident that his background in player development and recruiting will help the program continue its upward trajectory.