Huston-Tillotson University has appointed John A. Smith Jr. as the new head coach of its men’s basketball team. Smith brings extensive coaching experience from NCAA Division I and Texas high school basketball, previously serving as an assistant coach at New Mexico State University. Meanwhile, NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton has been named the head coach at the College of Alameda, following a three-season tenure at Lincoln University. Payton, known for his legendary playing career, aims to revitalize a struggling program that finished 7-21 last season. Both coaches are expected to have a significant impact on their respective teams, with Smith's leadership heralded as a new era for Huston-Tillotson and Payton's local roots seen as an advantage for the College of Alameda. Their appointments reflect a broader trend of leveraging experienced former players in coaching roles at the collegiate level.