Marty Ritcher Announces the Hiring of Joey James as an Assistant Coach
8/21/2026 5:30:00 PM | Men's Basketball
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – USC Upstate head men's basketball coach Marty Richter has announced the addition of veteran collegiate coach Joey James to the Spartans' coaching staff as an assistant coach ahead of the 2026-27 season.
James brings more than two decades of collegiate coaching, recruiting and athletic administration experience to Spartanburg, including experience as a head coach at both the NCAA Division I and Division II levels.
"My family and I are very excited to be joining USC Upstate and their men's basketball program," James said. "I look forward to working with a great group of coaches and players and learn under a terrific coach and colleague in Coach Richter."
James most recently served as the Director of Athletics at Harmony High School in Florida, overseeing an athletic department consisting of 26 varsity sports. In the role, he managed scheduling, student-athlete eligibility and personnel responsibilities while overseeing the day-to-day operations of the department.
Prior to moving into athletic administration, James spent six seasons as the associate head coach at Florida Tech. Working alongside head coach Billy Mims, James assisted with recruiting, scouting, game planning and the Panthers' offensive and defensive strategies. He helped Florida Tech advance to the Sunshine State Conference Tournament semifinals during the 2023-24 season and played a role in the development of All-SSC performers Sean Russell and Sean Houpt.
James arrived at Florida Tech following five seasons as the head coach at Concordia University, St. Paul. He guided the Golden Bears from 2014-19, compiling 52 victories during his tenure. His first season at Concordia saw the program post a 19-11 overall record and a 14-8 mark in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play.
Before taking over at Concordia, James spent more than a decade at his alma mater, South Dakota, serving in a variety of roles with the Coyotes' men's basketball program. He joined the USD staff as an assistant coach and eventually served as recruiting coordinator before being elevated to interim head coach for the 2013-14 season.
In his season leading the Coyotes, James guided South Dakota to a 12-18 overall record and a 6-8 mark in Summit League play. His extensive tenure at USD also included responsibilities in recruiting, scouting, player development, practice planning, team travel, fundraising and work with the program's booster organization.
James also enjoyed a successful playing career at South Dakota, competing for the Coyotes from 1997-99 after beginning his collegiate career at Iowa Western Community College. During his two seasons at USD, the Coyotes posted a 42-14 record, and James was a member of the program's 1999 North Central Conference championship team. As a senior, he tied a school record by connecting on eight three-pointers in a victory over South Dakota State.
A graduate of South Dakota, James earned his bachelor's degree in recreation before earning a master's degree in athletic administration from USD.
