WILMINGTON, N.C. ? Veteran coach Henry Dickerson, who steered North Carolina Central's transition from the NCAA Division II ranks to college basketball's highest stage, has joined the UNC Wilmington staff as an assistant coach.
Dickerson, 57, is well known in basketball circles after five coaching stops at four different institutions. He has coached the last five years at NCCU, piloting the Eagles to a 47-98 record in Durham. Prior to that, he spent 14 seasons at Tennessee-Chattanooga, including five years as a head coach from 1997-2002. Dickerson's overall head coaching record stands at 119-171.
“We're very pleased to welcome Henry to our staff,” said fourth-year UNCW coach Benny Moss. “He brings a tremendous amount of experience and respect to our program. He's a perfect fit for us and without question, will do a wonderful job representing our university and program.”
Dickerson will be involved in all facets of UNCW's hoops fortunes, including recruiting, in-game coaching, practices and scouting.
“It's a great opportunity for me and my family,” said Dickerson. “I've known Coach Benny for awhile and have a great relationship with him. I think UNCW has a lot of offer because of the quality of education, the beautiful campus, and the facilities.
“I'm looking forward to getting back on the basketball court. We have some talented players. It's just a matter of chemistry now and getting the guys to understand how hard they need to compete.”
A native of Beckley, W.Va., Dickerson was an NAIA All-American at Morris Harvey College (now the University of Charleston) in the Mountain State's capital before competing briefly overseas in Israel. He then played in the National Basketball Association in the mid-70s with the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks, however, injuries cut his professional career short, propelling Dickerson into the college coaching ranks.
Dickerson accepted his first coaching post at his alma mater in 1979 and after four seasons was named assistant coach at nearby Marshall. In his six years at Marshall, the Thundering Herd won four regular season conference titles and three tournament championships in Huntington, collecting three NCAA Tournament appearances and one NIT berth.
Dickerson then moved on to UTC as associate head coach from 1989-97, helping the Moccasins capture six Southern Conference crowns, four tournament titles and four NCAA bids. In 1997, UTC reached the NCAA's “Sweet 16.”
Dickerson was elevated to head coach at UTC in 1997 and compiled a 72-73 record in five seasons. He piloted the Mocs to a pair of Southern Conference South Division titles and UTC led the league in attendance each year.
At NCCU, Dickerson guided the Eagles from the NCAA Division II ranks to NCAA Division I status. After recording 16-12, 10-18 and 13-15 records in his first three seasons, he coached NCCU to a 4-26 record in its first season of Division I play in 2007-08 and a 4-27 scorecard last year.
In two of NCCU's last three seasons on the Division II level, Dickerson guided the Eagles to victories over the eventual national champions (Virginia Union in 2004-05 and Barton in 2006-07). The Eagles played the majority of their games the last two seasons away from Durham, traveling 47,000 miles through 22 different states in 44 road games compared to just 17 games at home.
The Seahawks are no stranger to Dickerson. UNCW and NCCU have met each of the last two seasons on the hardwood, with the Seahawks winning, 80-56, at Trask Coliseum on Dec. 16, 2007, and claiming a 79-64 decision on Nov. 28, 2008, in South Padre Island, Texas.
Dickerson and his wife, Deborah, have two sons, Brian and Brandon.
