CRC Coach James Set to Become First African-American President of the CCCMBCA
SACRAMENTO, CA – Cosumnes River College Head Men's Basketball Coach, Jonathan James, has been an active member of both the Big 8 Conference and the California Community College Men's Basketball Coaches Association (CCCMBCA) since his hire at CRC in 2016. Immediately following this year's CCCAA State Basketball Championships, James will add President of the CCCMBCA to his growing leadership responsibilities. He will step in as the 44th men's basketball coach to become President of the CCCMBCA and will step into the position as the first African-American President of the association.
"As the first African American President of CCCMBCA since its inception in 1957, I hope to provide a perspective and poise that aids in the advancement of our association, our coaches and most importantly the student athletes we serve," said James.
The CCCMBCA is the coaches association for all CCCAA men's basketball coaches. The association consists of members from 104 California community colleges including head coaches, former head coaches, assistant coaches, honoree members, and associate members including coaches and representatives from four-year universities and colleges.
The association provides professional development for the coaches, provides an opportunity for coaches to join in a common effort for the improvement of programs for student-athletes, as well as other objectives related to men's basketball. The association also works closely with the CCCAA in running playoffs and the state tournament.
"I am beyond excited to add to the long list of those who have served before me as President of the CCCMBCA," added James. "This association and the coaches who have helped cultivate it are without question an inspiration to me as I set forth on this new journey."
Current CCCMBCA President, Jonathan's mentor and CRC former Head Men's Basketball Coach, James Giacomazzi said, "To be the first in almost anything is special and for Jonathan to be the first African American President CCCMBCA history…I could not be more proud. Jonathan wants to make a difference and be a positive influence on young people's lives. He is doing that at CRC as a coach, but now he can also do that on a grander scale state-wide. Jonathan is a huge asset to the basketball community and I have no doubt he will be a great leader for our CCCMBCA".
Prior to his hire at CRC, James' coaching resume includes stints as assistant coach at Las Positas College (2015-2016), Cosumnes River college (2010-2015), head JV boy's basketball coach at Pleasant Grove High School (2007-2010), and head JV boy's basketball coach at Valley High School (2006-2007).
James played professionally from 2004-2006 for the Killarney Gleneagle Lakers in Ireland as well collegiately at the University of West Georgia and Cosumnes River College. At CRC, James was 1st-Team All-Conference both years and finished 7th in the state in scoring.
"I applaud and congratulate Jonathan James for stepping up to become the first black president of the CCCMBCA in its 66-year history," said Jeanne Calamar, Assistant Athletic Director. "I think it's amazing that he will become the 44th different coach to serve as president of the association and Barak Obama, as the first black president of our country, was also the 44th. As Jonathan does in all he's involved with, I know he will be a great leader of the association and an excellent role model for those that come after him".
Recently, James led CRC to the 2022-2023 Big 8 Conference Championship which is CRC's 3rd Big 8 Men's Basketball Championship in the last 10 years and his first as Head Coach. He was just announced as the 2022-2023 Big 8 Conference Coach of the Year.
"Jonathan continues to be a tremendous leader and advocate for student-athletes," said Collin Pregliasco, Dean of Kinesiology, Health, and Athletics and Athletic Director. "I'm excited for him to have this opportunity to not only have a positive impact on his student-athletes, but to now be an advocate for all the male basketball student-athletes across the state. He's a tremendous coach, and we're lucky to have him here at CRC."
James' 2-year presidency begins March 13.