Secretary/Treasurer Application | Deadline: Sunday, Sept. 20
The NJCAA Men's Basketball Coaches Association is now accepting applications for the vacant Secretary/Treasurer position. If you are interested in applying, please fill out the application form linked below.
The application period will end on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. Following the application period, candidates will be sent out to the membership for a vote.
Application Form Link
Position Requirements:
- Elected Officers shall be elected from active dues paying members (active coaching staff) of the association only.
Position Information:
- Two-Year Terms
- Two-Year Appointment begins 2026-27
- Secretary will succeed the Third Vice President position following the end of term.
- No compensation.
Duties:
- Attend all NJCAA Men's Basketball Coaches Association Committee meetings.
- Attend & assist in operations the NJCAA Men's Basketball All-Star Game (May 7-9, 2027 in Las Vegas.)
- Be actively involved, engaged & promote all things NJCAA Men's Basketball.
If you have any questions, please contact any of the members of the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Association! (Positions effective Aug. 1, 2026)
The application period will end on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. Following the application period, candidates will be sent out to the membership for a vote.
Application Form Link
Position Requirements:
- Elected Officers shall be elected from active dues paying members (active coaching staff) of the association only.
Position Information:
- Two-Year Terms
- Two-Year Appointment begins 2026-27
- Secretary will succeed the Third Vice President position following the end of term.
- No compensation.
Duties:
- Attend all NJCAA Men's Basketball Coaches Association Committee meetings.
- Attend & assist in operations the NJCAA Men's Basketball All-Star Game (May 7-9, 2027 in Las Vegas.)
- Be actively involved, engaged & promote all things NJCAA Men's Basketball.
If you have any questions, please contact any of the members of the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Association! (Positions effective Aug. 1, 2026)
- Coaches Association Office - [email protected] - 515.460.8082
- Tim Sandquist, President - [email protected] - 402.707.1615
- Joe Kuhn, Past President - [email protected] - 815.370.1642
- Pete Norman, Vice President - [email protected] - 815.275.8198
- Cord Wright, Second Vice President - [email protected] - 318.537.0250
- Matthew Ridge, Third Vice President - [email protected] - 336.239.3819
NJCAA Coaches Association | Membership Process:
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1 - Login to njcaa.my.site.com/main/s/login
2 - Select "College Profile Management" in the top bar 3 - Select "Submit Coaches Association Form" on the right hand side 4 - Choose your preferred payment method. 5 - Select "Men's Basketball" from the list of options. 6 - Enter Payment Information 7 - Click Submit |
Contact the NJCAA Men's Basketball Coaches Association to ensure you are a member!
Call: 515.460.8081 or Email: [email protected] Must be a member to be eligible to: Participate in NJCAA Rising Stars Event Participate in NJCAA All-Star Game Eligible to vote for Committee Members |
2026 NJCAA All-Star Game
Presented by the NABC
Saturday, May 9, 2026 - 4:30 PM PT
Cox Pavilion | Las Vegas, NV
Admission: Free
Livestream: NJCAA MBB CA YouTube
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2026 All-Star Game Awards:
Scott Schumacher Sportsmanship Award : Tavian Cruse (Johnson County) Todd Franklin Sportsmanship Award : Phillip Tillman (Arkansas State Mid-South) Francis Flax Small Man Award : Josiah McDonald (Williston State) Chris DePew Small Man Award : Amonti Greene (Mid Michigan) Ken Rochlitz MVP Award : Deven Bates (Pensacola State) John Spezia MVP Award : Chioke Marshall (SUNY Niagara) |
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Five Inducted to the Hall of Fame in Class of 2026
Steve Forbes | Coach | Southwestern (IA), Barton (KS), & Northwest Florida State
Steve Forbes began his coaching career in the junior college ranks, spending two seasons as an assistant and then head coach at Southwestern Community College where he compiled a 36‑27 record as head coach. In 1995 he took the head coaching job at Barton County Community College and over three seasons the Cougars went 68‑28, produced three All‑American players, twice finished with a national ranking, and recorded victories over 15 nationally ranked teams.
Forbes later returned to the NJCAA level in 2011 as head coach at Northwest Florida State College, where his teams posted a 62‑6 record across two seasons. He led the Raiders to consecutive 30 win seasons, and back-to-back NJCAA Division I National Runner-up finishes. Five of his players from Northwest Florida State went on to Division I programs. After his success at the junior college level, Forbes moved into NCAA Division I coaching, including assistant positions at several programs and head coaching roles at East Tennessee State and Wake Forest. His collegiate coaching career spans more than three decades and includes NCAA Tournament appearances, conference titles, and recognition for team performance at multiple levels of college basketball.
(Photo Credit: Northwest Florida State Athletics)
Steve Forbes began his coaching career in the junior college ranks, spending two seasons as an assistant and then head coach at Southwestern Community College where he compiled a 36‑27 record as head coach. In 1995 he took the head coaching job at Barton County Community College and over three seasons the Cougars went 68‑28, produced three All‑American players, twice finished with a national ranking, and recorded victories over 15 nationally ranked teams.
Forbes later returned to the NJCAA level in 2011 as head coach at Northwest Florida State College, where his teams posted a 62‑6 record across two seasons. He led the Raiders to consecutive 30 win seasons, and back-to-back NJCAA Division I National Runner-up finishes. Five of his players from Northwest Florida State went on to Division I programs. After his success at the junior college level, Forbes moved into NCAA Division I coaching, including assistant positions at several programs and head coaching roles at East Tennessee State and Wake Forest. His collegiate coaching career spans more than three decades and includes NCAA Tournament appearances, conference titles, and recognition for team performance at multiple levels of college basketball.
(Photo Credit: Northwest Florida State Athletics)
□HALL OF FAME□
— JCBCA (@NJCAAMBBCoaches) February 20, 2026
CLASS OF 2026#JUCOProduct □
Three different @NJCAABasketball stops totaling 11 years on @ForbesWakeHoops resume -- watch Coach's reaction as he finds out about his @NJCAAMBBCoaches 2026 Hall of Fame selection!
□️Credit: @WakeMBB#NJCAABasketball□ https://t.co/ilPxSPlOiN pic.twitter.com/hNSHxOkLqK
(Video Credit: Wake Forest Men's Basketball)
Nolan Richardson | Coach | Western Texas
Nolan Richardson began his collegiate coaching career at Western Texas Junior College, where he led the team to a 37‑0 record and the NJCAA National Championship in 1980. His undefeated season remains one of the most notable accomplishments in junior college basketball, establishing Richardson as a coach capable of developing talent and building winning programs at the NJCAA level. Following his success in junior college, Richardson moved on to the University of Tulsa, where he guided the Golden Hurricane to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship in 1981.
Richardson later became head coach at the University of Arkansas, where he served from 1985 to 2002. During his tenure, he led the Razorbacks to 15 postseason appearances in 17 seasons, including three Final Four appearances. Arkansas won the NCAA Tournament national championship in 1994 and finished as national runner‑up in 1995. Over his collegiate head coaching career, Richardson became the only coach to win a junior college national title, an NIT championship, and an NCAA national championship. His contributions to the sport have been recognized with induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014.
(Photo Credit: University of Arkansas Athletics)
Nolan Richardson began his collegiate coaching career at Western Texas Junior College, where he led the team to a 37‑0 record and the NJCAA National Championship in 1980. His undefeated season remains one of the most notable accomplishments in junior college basketball, establishing Richardson as a coach capable of developing talent and building winning programs at the NJCAA level. Following his success in junior college, Richardson moved on to the University of Tulsa, where he guided the Golden Hurricane to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship in 1981.
Richardson later became head coach at the University of Arkansas, where he served from 1985 to 2002. During his tenure, he led the Razorbacks to 15 postseason appearances in 17 seasons, including three Final Four appearances. Arkansas won the NCAA Tournament national championship in 1994 and finished as national runner‑up in 1995. Over his collegiate head coaching career, Richardson became the only coach to win a junior college national title, an NIT championship, and an NCAA national championship. His contributions to the sport have been recognized with induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014.
(Photo Credit: University of Arkansas Athletics)
Doug Wagemester | Coach | Kirkwood (IA)
Doug Wagemester's career in junior college athletics spans more than a quarter‑century, highlighted by 15 seasons as head men's basketball coach at Kirkwood Community College and 26 total years of NJCAA service. During his tenure as head coach from 1998‑99 through 2012‑13, Wagemester compiled a 409‑107 overall record and a 179‑28 mark in conference play. His teams captured 12 Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) regular‑season titles and made nine NJCAA National Tournament appearances, including three national runner‑up finishes. Under his leadership, six players earned NJCAA All‑American honors and the Eagles achieved multiple seasons with 30 or more wins. Wagemester was also recognized as the NJCAA Division II National Coach of the Year in 2009‑10 by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Wagemester served as Kirkwood's athletic director from 2007 through 2024, a period in which the college's six sports programs posted sustained competitive success. During his time as AD, Kirkwood teams earned 58 national tournament appearances, 58 region titles, 10 NJCAA national championships and five national runner‑up finishes and saw 97 student‑athletes achieve All‑American status. His combined roles as coach and administrator reflect long‑term involvement in NJCAA athletics and contribution to the development of the college's athletic programs.
(Photo Credit: Kirkwood Community College)
Doug Wagemester's career in junior college athletics spans more than a quarter‑century, highlighted by 15 seasons as head men's basketball coach at Kirkwood Community College and 26 total years of NJCAA service. During his tenure as head coach from 1998‑99 through 2012‑13, Wagemester compiled a 409‑107 overall record and a 179‑28 mark in conference play. His teams captured 12 Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) regular‑season titles and made nine NJCAA National Tournament appearances, including three national runner‑up finishes. Under his leadership, six players earned NJCAA All‑American honors and the Eagles achieved multiple seasons with 30 or more wins. Wagemester was also recognized as the NJCAA Division II National Coach of the Year in 2009‑10 by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Wagemester served as Kirkwood's athletic director from 2007 through 2024, a period in which the college's six sports programs posted sustained competitive success. During his time as AD, Kirkwood teams earned 58 national tournament appearances, 58 region titles, 10 NJCAA national championships and five national runner‑up finishes and saw 97 student‑athletes achieve All‑American status. His combined roles as coach and administrator reflect long‑term involvement in NJCAA athletics and contribution to the development of the college's athletic programs.
(Photo Credit: Kirkwood Community College)
□HALL OF FAME□
— JCBCA (@NJCAAMBBCoaches) February 20, 2026
CLASS OF 2026
From one former @KCC_MBB head coach to another □
@HailStateMBK head coach Chris Jans breaks the news to @CoachWags33 on his selection to the @NJCAAMBBCoaches Hall of Fame!
□️Credit: @HailStateMBK #NJCAABasketball□ https://t.co/0BGtHlIFN0 pic.twitter.com/v0WDuIgkh7
(Video Credit: Wake Forest Men's Basketball)
Dontae' Jones | Student-Athlete | Northeast Mississippi
Dontae' Jones has been named to the NJCAA Men's Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in recognition of his accomplishments at the NJCAA level and beyond. At Northeast Mississippi Community College, Jones helped the Tigers compile a 51-14 record over two seasons and led the team to its seventh all-time NJCAA Division I National Tournament appearance. He averaged a double-double in both seasons, posting 25.2 points and 11.2 rebounds as a freshman and 28.7 points and 13.3 rebounds as a sophomore, scoring 917 points in the 1994-95 season, the second-highest total in program history. He also earned All-Conference, All-Region 23, and NJCAA All-American honors.
Following his junior college career, Jones transferred to Mississippi State University, where he contributed to the Bulldogs' first SEC Tournament championship and NCAA Southeast Regional title in 1996. He averaged 15 points per game over the Southeast Regional, helping the team advance to the Elite Eight, and scored 16 points in Mississippi State's NCAA Final Four appearance that year. Across both NJCAA and NCAA competition, Jones played on teams that consistently reached postseason play and earned multiple individual honors, reflecting his sustained contributions at the collegiate level.
(Photo Credit: Northeast Mississippi Community College)
Dontae' Jones has been named to the NJCAA Men's Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in recognition of his accomplishments at the NJCAA level and beyond. At Northeast Mississippi Community College, Jones helped the Tigers compile a 51-14 record over two seasons and led the team to its seventh all-time NJCAA Division I National Tournament appearance. He averaged a double-double in both seasons, posting 25.2 points and 11.2 rebounds as a freshman and 28.7 points and 13.3 rebounds as a sophomore, scoring 917 points in the 1994-95 season, the second-highest total in program history. He also earned All-Conference, All-Region 23, and NJCAA All-American honors.
Following his junior college career, Jones transferred to Mississippi State University, where he contributed to the Bulldogs' first SEC Tournament championship and NCAA Southeast Regional title in 1996. He averaged 15 points per game over the Southeast Regional, helping the team advance to the Elite Eight, and scored 16 points in Mississippi State's NCAA Final Four appearance that year. Across both NJCAA and NCAA competition, Jones played on teams that consistently reached postseason play and earned multiple individual honors, reflecting his sustained contributions at the collegiate level.
(Photo Credit: Northeast Mississippi Community College)
Cleanthony Early | Student-Athlete | Sullivan County (NY)
Cleanthony Early's induction into the NJCAA Men's Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame honors his outstanding achievements and contributions to junior college basketball during his time at Sullivan County Community College. A two-time NJCAA Division III Player of the Year in 2011 and 2012, Early also earned NJCAA All-American honors and was named the Basketball Coaches Association of New York junior college player of the year in 2012. During his NJCAA career, he established himself as a dominant player and key contributor on the court.
Following his success at the junior college level, Early continued his basketball career at Wichita State University, where he played a vital role in leading the team to the 2013 NCAA Final Four—the program's first appearance since 1964. Averaging 13.9 points per game during that run, he later improved to 16.4 points per game as a senior, helping Wichita State achieve an undefeated regular season and a 35-1 record, marking the best season in Division I history at the time. Early was also selected 34th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, launching a professional career spanning the NBA, G League, and international leagues. His collegiate accolades include multiple All-American honors, Wooden Award finalist recognition, and membership in Wichita State's 1,000-Point Club.
(Photo Credit: SUNY Sullivan Athletics)
Cleanthony Early's induction into the NJCAA Men's Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame honors his outstanding achievements and contributions to junior college basketball during his time at Sullivan County Community College. A two-time NJCAA Division III Player of the Year in 2011 and 2012, Early also earned NJCAA All-American honors and was named the Basketball Coaches Association of New York junior college player of the year in 2012. During his NJCAA career, he established himself as a dominant player and key contributor on the court.
Following his success at the junior college level, Early continued his basketball career at Wichita State University, where he played a vital role in leading the team to the 2013 NCAA Final Four—the program's first appearance since 1964. Averaging 13.9 points per game during that run, he later improved to 16.4 points per game as a senior, helping Wichita State achieve an undefeated regular season and a 35-1 record, marking the best season in Division I history at the time. Early was also selected 34th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, launching a professional career spanning the NBA, G League, and international leagues. His collegiate accolades include multiple All-American honors, Wooden Award finalist recognition, and membership in Wichita State's 1,000-Point Club.
(Photo Credit: SUNY Sullivan Athletics)
2026-27 NJCAA Rankings |
2026-27 National Tournaments |
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Services Provided by the NJCAA Coaches Association:
- NJCAA All-Star Game
- Features top 24 sophomores and 3 championship coaches in showcase in Las Vegas in part with NABC Championship Clinic
- Provide housing, apparel and meals for players and coaches.
- Hall of Fame
- Select 3-6 NJCAA Hall of Fame inductees annually.
- Recognized at NJCAA All-Star Game, National Tournament or Other Event
- Pay for Rings, Plaques, Travel/Lodging at Induction Site
- June Scholastic Recruiting Event
- Helped develop legislation for the June Scholastic Recruiting Event series.
- Provides opportunity for evaluation during the NCAA's summer recruiting period.
- Promoted by Coaches Association.
- Facilitate opportunities to speak at NABC Championship Clinics, Culture in Coach Series and other events.
- Provide Coach and Player of the Year awards for Division I, II & III.
- Fill a seat on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).
- Provide a voice to the NJCAA Board of Directors and national office on issues pertaining to the student-athletes and coaches.
- Provide a coach for USA Basketball trials.
- Assist with NJCAA All-American selections.
- Operate website at www.jcbca.com.