Augsburg’s KiJuan Ware and Hamline’s Chip Taylor made MIAC history as two Black head coaches faced each other for only the second time. Charles Hallman highlights why the moment matters for representation in college sports and shares other key MIAC sports updates.
Charles Hallman
Posted inBlacklight On Sports
A Conversation with Lawrence Ellis on Leadership, Youth Athletics, and the Future of Minnesota Sports
In this episode of MSR Blacklight On Sports, hosts Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald talk with Minnesota sports leader Lawrence Ellis about the evolution of youth athletics, policy decisions influencing access and fairness, and the leadership needed to support student-athletes statewide.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Men’s basketball newbies
Minnesota has 13 new additions on its 2024-25 men’s basketball team. Jaylen Crocker-Johnson played for Niko Medved at Colorado State last season. “I set the tone early for the guys on the glass,” said the 6’8” junior forward from San Antonio, Texas. “I’m just trying to be a good two-way player on defense and offense.” […]
Posted inAnother View
Gopher hoopsters get new Black coaches
Both U of M basketball teams have coaching additions this season. Corey Green is in his first season as basketball operations director for the women’s basketball team. He formerly spent four seasons at Old Dominion in a similar position, and served on coaching staffs at Memphis (three seasons) and Detroit (two years). He got his […]
Posted inOdds and Ends
‘25-’26 U basketball players proud to be representing
There are approximately 100 African American and other student-athletes of color this school year at the University of Minnesota. In an occasional series throughout the 2025-26 academic and sports year, the MSR will highlight many of these players. This week: Gopher WBB redshirt junior Niamya Holloway; MBB newcomers soph Nehemiah Turner, junior Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, and […]
Posted inBlacklight On Sports
Sports, Justice, and Speaking Truth to Power Featuring Nekima Levy Armstrong
This week on Blacklight On Sports, civil rights leader Nekima Levy Armstrong joins the conversation on athletes, activism, race, and what justice looks like on and off the field.
Posted inBlacklight On Sports
Brianna Edwards on Trusting the Process: From Athlete to Coach
Brianna Edwards joins Blacklight On Sports to talk about her journey from pro athlete to head coach and consultant—building athletes into leaders for life.
Posted inBlacklight On Sports
Willie Burton on the power of purpose after pro ball
Minnesota basketball legend Willie Burton joins Blacklight On Sports to share how his journey from NBA courts to classrooms has become a mission rooted in purpose, mentorship, and real-world impact.
Posted inBlacklight On Sports
From the court to the culture: Anthony Tucker brings elite mindset to Minnesota basketball
In the latest episode of Blacklight On Sports, hosts Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomed Anthony Tucker, founder of Hoop Habits, to discuss the evolution of Minnesota basketball, athlete development, and the mindset needed to thrive beyond the stats. Tucker, a standout at Minnetonka High School and the University of Iowa, brings more […]
Posted inBlacklight On Sports
Breaking Barriers: Donald “Donnie” Brooks on Leading Macalester College Athletics
In this powerful episode of Blacklight On Sports, hosts Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, Ed.D., sit down with Donald “Donnie” Brooks, the Director of Athletics at Macalester College. With a career rooted in leadership and passion for sports, Brooks shares his journey from growing up in Houston, Texas, to becoming a transformative figure […]
Posted inSports
Kendall Blue a steady force
Kendall Blue, a junior guard at St. Thomas, is ready to take on a more starring role this season, with Coach Johnny Tauer praising his ability to play with any combination of players and his steady presence on the court.
Posted inAnother View
Women coaches of color ‘dramatically underrepresented’ in U.S. colleges
The University of Minnesota Tucker Center’s latest report found that 174 institutions have zero women head coaches of color, while HBCUs have 13 of 15 institutions with 100% women coaches of color, and the Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti believes that diversity should lead to more opportunities for Black and women of color.
Posted inCoaching while Black
Coaching while Black
Ben Johnson and Mike Woodson, the only Black men’s basketball head coaches in the Big Ten, are preparing for their fourth seasons on the job, facing the challenges of player departures and unrealistic criticism due to their race.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Watkins, Lewis survive the inevitable Twins bloodletting
Tommy Watkins remains the Twins’ third base coach despite the team’s late season swoon, while Simeon Woods Richardson was demoted to the minors after hitting a rookie wall.
Posted inPodcasts
‘Blacklight on Sports’ with Charles Hallman
Watch MSR sports columnist offer his views on sports for the week of June 3, 2024.
Posted inPodcasts
‘Blacklight on Sports’ feat. Charles Chip Taylor
Watch as Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald talk to Chip Taylor.
Posted inSports
A great basketball season for South High
Minneapolis South Boys Basketball Coach Joe Hyser and Assistant Charles Hallman led the Tigers to a 22-7 record, their first section title, and their first state tournament appearance since 1992.
Posted inPodcasts
‘Blacklight on Sports’ feat. Melvin Newbern
Watch MSR sports columnists Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer interview Melvin Newbern.
Posted inFeatured, Sports
The week in review: Minneapolis coach inducted into Hall of Fame and more
Hall of Fame coach, two former metro area girls’ basketball players are among those featured this week.
Posted inFeatured, Local & State, News
Longtime MSR sportswriter Charles Hallman recognized by MIAC
Charles Hallman was recently selected by the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference as the 2022-23 recipient of the MIAC Mike Augustin Award.