Head Coach
Winston Neal begins his 11th season as Head Coach of Columbia State Men's Basketball.
“I am blessed & honored to be a part of the Charger Family,” said Coach Neal. “I believe a coach's highest priority should be the success of their student-athletes on the court, in the classroom, and especially in the game of life after they obtain their degrees.”
Over the past decade, Neal has led the Chargers to great success, with multiple championships, numerous All-Conference selections, and a reputation for developing both players and people.
Coach Neal's experience includes coaching at USC, Loyola Marymount, and Jacksonville University. He's mentored multiple All-Americans, professional athletes, and leaders on and off the court. A Georgia Tech alum, Neal was a four-year letter winner and a standout student-athlete.
He and his wife Bridget have three children, Sophia, Callie, and Walker. Neal remains active in campus leadership and NJCAA committees.
Career Highlights & Stats
- Overall record of 219-75 (.744) in 10 seasons
- 2× TCCAA Regular Season Champion
- 1× TCCAA East Division Regular Season Champion
- 2× TCCAA Tournament Champion
- 27 All-Conference players, 2 Freshmen of the Year, 1 Player of the Year
- 44 graduates and 61 players moved on to 4-year colleges (16 to NCAA D1)
- 2× NJCAA Appalachian District Coach of the Year
- Teams ranked in NJCAA Top 25 in multiple seasons
Top NJCAA Statistical Finishes
- Total Rebounds (4x)
- Rebound Margin (4x)
- Defensive Rebounds (3x)
- Offensive Rebounds (2x)
- Blocks (2x)
- Opponents FG % (2x)
- Assists (1x)
Top 10 National Statistical Finishes (NJCAA)
- Total Rebounds (10x)
- Defensive Rebounds (9x)
- Offensive Rebounds (8x)
- Blocks (7x)
- Rebound Margin (6x)
- Offensive Efficiency (6x)
- Steals (4x)
- Field Goal % (3x)
- Points Per Game (2x)
- Opponents FG % (2x)
- Points Allowed (1x)
Assistant Coach
Arthur Latham, a Radcliff, Kentucky native, played and coached at St. Catharine College where he became the all-time leader in wins, points, and rebounds.
He joined Columbia State after leading Motlow State to a TCCAA Tournament Championship and NJCAA National Tournament appearance as Head Coach.
His coaching experience spans over a decade at the NAIA and NJCAA levels, where he has mentored six All-Americans, won three regular season titles, and helped numerous athletes move on to the next level.
Volunteer Assistant Coaches
Larry Jones and Tony Sparkman serve as volunteer assistant coaches for the men's basketball program, bringing additional experience and leadership to the team's development on and off the court.