Coaches Division

Assistant Coach - Sacramento State

Entering his second season at Sacramento State, Jason Fraser brings more than a decade of coaching experience spanning the NBA, G-League, Division I basketball, AAU, and high school levels.

A former McDonald's All-American Game selection and standout at Villanova University, Fraser has built a reputation as an elite player developer and leader, helping mentor future NBA talent including Devin Booker, Wendell Carter Jr., and JaMychal Green during coaching stints with the Phoenix Suns and Austin Spurs.

His diverse background also includes serving as Director of Student-Athlete Development at Villanova, Dean of Students and Athletic Director at Sun Valley Academy, and earning two Coach of the Year honors at Skyline Prep, making him one of the most respected and well-rounded basketball minds in the game today.

Assistant Coach - San Diego Clippers

Darnell “D-Block” Jackson is a basketball legend. He won the 2008 NCAA National Championship as a member of the Kansas Jayhawks, and and was the 54th pick on the 2nd Round of the 2008 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat.

In addition to the Miami Heat, Darnell played for the Sacramento Kings and the Milwaukee Bucks before embarking on a dominant career overseas. Darnell is a basketball savant who is currently still playing professionally in The Big 3 with the Detroit Amplifiers.

As a current Assistant Coach with the San Diego Clippers in the NBA G League, Darnell is giving back to the game that gave him so much by coaching the next generation. Off the court Darnell is a passionate advocate for Mental health, suicide prevention and healing from emotional trauma. He is also an author. His memoir, “Behind the smile” is a must read. Darnell is a proud member of the Cherokee Nation and we are deeply honored he is apart of the #OG6FAMILY.

Assistant Coach - Mississippi State

Entering his fourth season at Mississippi State University, Tony Dukes has established himself as one of the premier scouting and analytics minds in college basketball.

Since joining Head Coach Sam Purcell as Senior Director of Scouting and Analytics in 2023, Dukes has helped lead the Bulldogs to consecutive 20-win seasons and back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances while playing a key role in player development, recruiting, and game preparation.

His extensive background spans the NBA, G-League, NCAA, and Overtime Elite, including stops with the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs. Known for his elite attention to detail, data-driven approach, and ability to maximize talent, Dukes has earned a reputation as one of the rising innovators in the sport.

Assistant Coach - University of Louisiana Monroe

Entering his eighth season as a Division I assistant coach, Jermaine Johnson has joined the University of Louisiana Monroe after establishing himself as one of the most respected coaches in college basketball, known for his defensive expertise, player development, and ability to build winning cultures.

During his seven seasons at the University of Memphis under Head Coach Penny Hardaway, Johnson helped lead the Tigers to 119 victories, three NCAA Tournament appearances, and the 2021 NIT Championship. As defensive coordinator during Memphis' 2024–25 AAC Championship season, his defense fueled a 29–6 record, an AAC regular-season title, and a Top-15 national ranking.

Prior to Memphis, Johnson played a pivotal role in transforming the University of Tennessee at Martin into a consistent winner and built a legendary high school coaching career at Melrose High School, where he amassed 353 victories, captured a state championship, and guided every graduating senior to the collegiate level. His championship pedigree, leadership, and commitment to developing student-athletes continue to make him one of the game's most impactful coaches.

Assistant Coach - Southern Utah University

Entering his third season at Southern Utah University, Tennessee Owens has quickly emerged as one of the rising young coaches in college basketball. The son of longtime NBA, G-League, NCAA, and international coach Casey Owens, Owens has built a reputation for elite player development, scouting, and basketball operations.

After leading Albuquerque Prep’s post-graduate program (where he helped 10 players earn college scholarships) and coaching professionally with Kazma Basketball Club in Kuwait, Owens joined Southern Utah in 2023 and was promoted from Special Assistant to Assistant Coach.

A former player at New Mexico State University, where he contributed to multiple NCAA Tournament teams, Owens has been part of winning environments at every level, including state championship, NCAA Tournament, and international championship-caliber programs. Known for his relentless work ethic and modern basketball IQ, he has played a key role in offensive development, recruiting, scouting, and player growth while helping shape the future of Southern Utah basketball.

Assistant Coach

Jesse Childs brings a strong blend of professional experience, player development expertise, and leadership to the Sacramento State coaching staff. A Phoenix native by way of Boise, Idaho, Childs most recently served as an assistant coach with the Austin Spurs, the NBA G-League affiliate of the San Antonio Spurs, where he spent two seasons helping young pros transition to the next level.

A true student of the game, Childs has built his reputation on player development, mentorship, and culture-building. His coaching style emphasizes accountability, basketball IQ, and personal growth—making him a trusted mentor for athletes navigating the journey to college and professional basketball.

With roots in both high-level coaching and real-world player guidance, Childs offers a modern, holistic approach to the game—focused not just on wins, but on shaping well-rounded competitors and leaders.

Player Development Coach

Zerrion Payton has rapidly established himself as one of the rising player development specialists in college basketball, bringing experience from some of the nation’s premier prep and Division I programs. Most recently serving as Director of Player Development at University of Hawaiʻi, Payton has built a reputation for developing athletes both on and off the court through skill enhancement, mentorship, and daily player support.

His coaching journey includes impactful stops at Utah Valley University, Prolific Prep, and AZ Compass Prep School, where he helped develop elite prospects including Aden Holloway and Mookie Cook.

A former all-conference standout at both Salt Lake Community College and Westminster University, Payton appeared in 115 collegiate games and brings valuable firsthand playing experience to his coaching approach. As the nephew of Gary Payton, he combines a strong basketball pedigree with a player-first mindset, making him one of the emerging development coaches in the game today.

Assistant Coach

Deonte Potts has quickly established himself as one of the rising young coaches in basketball, earning a reputation for elite player development, innovative offensive strategy, and building winning cultures.

His coaching experience includes impactful roles at South Plains College, Link Academy, and University of Tennessee at Martin, where he contributed to championship-level success, including a 2024 NJCAA Final Four appearance, a 2023 Chipotle National Final Four run, and a conference championship. Potts has played a key role in the development of high-level talent, including Tre Johnson, Caleb Blackwell, Isaac Taveras, and numerous all-conference performers.

Combining a strong foundation in coaching, scouting, analytics, and player mentorship, Potts utilizes modern tools such as Synergy and Sportscode to maximize player growth and team performance. Known for his leadership, professionalism, and commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the court, he is widely regarded as one of the emerging coaching talents in the game today.

Assistant Coach

Louis Rowe brings nearly 20 years of coaching experience across the Division I landscape, highlighted by back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances as an assistant coach at the University of Oregon and most recently serving as an assistant coach at Cleveland State University. With a proven track record at both the Power Four level and as a Division I head coach, Rowe is recognized for his veteran leadership, extensive basketball knowledge, and player-first approach to development.

Prior to his time at Cleveland State, Rowe spent two seasons at Oregon, helping the Ducks reach consecutive NCAA Tournaments. Before Oregon, he served as an assistant coach at South Florida and spent four seasons as the head coach at his alma mater, James Madison University, where he led the Dukes while developing one of the nation's youngest rosters. His coaching career also includes impactful stops at Bowling Green, Florida International, and Rider, consistently contributing to postseason success, recruiting, and player development.

Known for his leadership, relationship-building, and commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court, Rowe has established himself as one of the most respected coaches in college basketball.

Assistant Coach - USC Basketball

Veteran coach and former WNBA standout Nikki Blue joins the USC women’s basketball staff for the 2025–26 season, bringing with her a wealth of experience from both the professional and collegiate ranks. A Southern California native and UCLA alumna, Blue returns to Los Angeles to serve under Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb, helping lead a USC program fresh off a Big Ten title and back-to-back Elite Eight appearances.

Blue arrives at USC following a coaching stint with the Los Angeles Sparks, preceded by her role as interim head coach of the Phoenix Mercury during the 2023 WNBA season. She began her WNBA coaching career in 2022 with the Mercury and spent 16 prior seasons coaching at the Division I level, including stops at UNLV, Cal State Bakersfield, Grand Canyon, and Arizona State.

As a collegiate player at UCLA, Blue was a four-time All-Pac-10 First Team selection, a WBCA All-American, and a finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year Award. She went on to play four seasons in the WNBA with the Washington Mystics and New York Liberty, also competing professionally in Turkey and Greece.

Assistant Coach

Charles Thomas is a highly respected basketball coach and former professional player whose career spans more than 30 years across collegiate, professional, and international basketball. Over 13 seasons alongside legendary coach Keith Dambrot at Duquesne and Akron, Thomas helped guide programs to seven postseason appearances, including multiple NCAA Tournament berths, while earning a reputation as an elite recruiter, player developer, and relationship builder.

Prior to coaching, he enjoyed a distinguished 15-year professional playing career that began with the Detroit Pistons and included championship success in both the CBA and Australia's NBL. A standout at Eastern Michigan University, Thomas helped lead the Eagles to a MAC Championship and NCAA Sweet 16 appearance, later earning induction into the Eastern Michigan Athletics Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor. His extensive experience, leadership, and commitment to developing student-athletes have made him one of the most respected figures in the game.

Assistant & Player Development Coach - Vancouver Bandits

Kyle Brown has quickly established himself as one of the rising young coaches in basketball, building a reputation for player development, scouting, and basketball operations. His experience includes working with the Vancouver Bandits, where he played an integral role in player development, film analysis, scouting, and daily team operations while contributing to one of Canada's premier professional basketball organizations.

Brown also spent several years with Team Vegas Basketball Club, helping develop prospects through individualized skill work and mentorship. In addition, he gained valuable experience working alongside the WNBA's Chicago Sky during playoff preparation, further expanding his understanding of elite-level basketball. A graduate of Columbia Bible College, Brown is known for his relentless work ethic, attention to detail, and player-first approach, making him one of the emerging young minds in the game today.