Charleston Southern Elevates Coach Saah Nimley from Interim Status

Charleston Southern introduced Saah Nimley as its new head men's basketball coach

Charleston Southern introduced Saah Nimley as its new head men's basketball coach | Image: CSUSports/YouTube

The leadership reins at Charleston Southern will now firmly remain in the hands of Saah Nimley, the revered coach of the alma mater, as he transitions from being an interim coach for the majority of the current season.

It was disclosed by the institution on Monday that Nimley’s stewardship will extend beyond the ongoing season. Following Barclay Redenbaugh‘s step down after a lackluster 2-5 start last November, Nimley, aged 30, assumed the pivotal role.

Concluding the regular season with a record of 10-19 (6-10 Big South), the Buccaneers are poised to engage UNC Asheville this Friday in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament.

“I am thankful for the players and the staff who have shown resilience in the face of challenges this season,” Nimley said in a statement. “This program has opened doors for me that I never imagined, and I am committed to giving back and helping these young men reach their full potential. Buc Nation, get ready for an exciting journey ahead.”

A recipient of the prestigious AP All-America honorable mention and Big South Player of the Year accolades during the 2014-15 season, his final year as a Charleston Southern player, Nimley’s legacy endures.

Dominating the record books, Nimley holds the top spot for career assists (511) and clinches the third position in points scored (1,866), distinguishing him as the sole player in Big South annals to surpass the 1,800 points mark while exceeding 500 assists.

“This is truly a special day in the history of Charleston Southern basketball,” vice president for intercollegiate athletics Jeff Barber said in a statement. “To have the opportunity to name a head coach who is considered by many as the best player to have ever played their sport at their alma mater is unique.”

“Saah Nimley is the perfect fit for our head coach position, and I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with him in the days ahead.”

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    The nine current members of the conference are private universities with a religious affiliation. Seattle is a Jesuit institution, while Grand Canyon, situated in Phoenix, is a Christian college.

    Grand Canyon’s basketball achievements were a significant factor in attracting WCC commissioner Stu Jackson. The team has participated in the last two NCAA Tournaments and three of the previous four under the leadership of coach Bryce Drew.

    As the 12th-seeded Antelopes defeated fifth-seeded Saint Mary’s before losing to Alabama in the tournament this season.

    Saint Mary’s is currently a member of the West Coast Conference.

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    The future beyond 2026 looks uncertain, with Oregon State and Washington State appearing unlikely to continue with the WCC.

    The former Pac-12 schools are under a two-year contract, expiring on June 30, 2026. Sources from CBS Sports suggest that the odds of the two Pacific Northwest institutions staying are slim, with a move to the Mountain West or a new conference formation being more probable.

    Following the departures of Sam Houston and New Mexico State last year, Seattle and Grand Canyon’s exit from the WAC will reduce the conference’s membership to just eight by July 2025.

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    Former guard of Cal State Fullerton Max Jones has made a decision to join Kansas State for his upcoming collegiate season, according to reports.

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    In the season prior, Jones held an average of 12.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in 32 games, amassing 34 three-pointers and 30 steals.

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    At the age of 70, VanDerveer stepped down following her 38th season at the helm of the Cardinal.

    She steered Stanford to 14 Final Fours and secured three national championships (1990, 1992, 2021). VanDerveer embarked on her coaching journey at Idaho (1978-80) and later coached at Ohio State (1980-85).

    In January, she surpassed Mike Krzyzewski to clinch the title of the most successful college basketball coach in history, across both men’s and women’s teams. VanDerveer concluded with a remarkable 1,216-271 record, boasting a 1,064-220 tally with the Cardinal.

    Alongside the unveiling of the Tara VanDerveer Court at Maples Pavilion this November, Stanford also established an endowed position in women’s basketball for an assistant coach in VanDerveer’s honor.

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