Salisbury, N.C. – Men's head basketball coach James Stinson, also known as 'Big Game James,' is celebrating a milestone as he turns 20 years old in his coaching career at Livingstone College. In an exclusive interview, Stinson reflects on his journey, the philosophy that has guided him, and his greatest achievements.

Clifton Huff, Athletic Director at Livingstone College, shared his thoughts: "I tried several times to lure Coach Stinson into joining the Livingstone family, and I was extremely happy when he did in 2004, especially given all his accolades as a coach at Barber-Scotia. Stinson is a humble man, but he's also a true student of the game. Livingstone got a gem when he joined us, and it's been a great privilege to work alongside him. He's not only focused on success on the court but also deeply cares about the success of his players off the court."

1. Who were some of your early mentors or influences in your coaching career?
"I was fortunate early on to be guided by some incredible mentors who truly shaped my coaching journey. Mabel G. Stinson, Charlie Cox, Goznell White, and Leroy Holden were key figures in my development, and these are just a few—this list could go on for miles."

2. How has your coaching philosophy evolved over the years?
"My coaching philosophy has always been deeply rooted in communication, accountability, and fairness. Over time, I've come to realize that a coach's responsibility isn't just about teaching the game; it's about preparing young men for life. I've worked to ensure that every player has the best experience possible, not only as athletes but as individuals who will one day be alumni of HBCUs. For me, it's about being firm, fair, and consistent, and helping them understand the importance of education and giving back to the community. The core principles of my philosophy have stayed the same, but they've deepened as I've gained more experience. As much as we strive for success on the court, it's equally important to equip these young men with life skills that will serve them long after basketball."

3. How do you define success as a coach? Is it about wins, player development, or something else?
"To me, success is much more than just winning games. Winning is important, yes, but it's not the only measure of success. I believe that coaching is about shaping well-rounded individuals who will contribute positively to society. It's about preparing players for the future—teaching them that there's life after basketball. I always tell my players, 'What will you do when the ball goes flat?' Graduation is a huge part of it for me. Success means knowing that these young men leave our program not only as better players but also as good people, ready to give back to their communities and their alma mater. Being a good alum and steward of the institution is just as crucial as any victory."

4. As you reflect on your 20 years of coaching, what's one piece of advice you would give to your younger self at the start of your career?
"I would tell my younger self: Don't let youth define you. Goals, morals, and ethics are what will guide you through the ups and downs of coaching. When I was starting out, I felt like winning was everything, especially because I wanted to provide visibility and success to my institution. But I've learned over the years that it's not just about the wins—it's about developing quality young men."

5. After 20 years, what do you feel most proud of when you look back on your career?
"There are many moments that I'm proud of. A few highlights include being the most winningest coach in the history of my schools (Barber-Scotia, and Livingstone), and having the honor of coaching Mark Thomas, one of the first players to receive major recognition from an HBCU. He was named an NCAA Top 10 winner and Player of the Year while excelling in the classroom. I also take great pride in being the first coach to win the CIAA Championship and leading my team to the Elite 8 in the NAIA two years in a row. Back-to-back CIAA championships and three Southern Division championships are also milestones that I hold dear. What I'm most proud of, though, is the GPA we maintained within the CIAA year after year. That's a testament to the hard work and dedication of my players both on and off the court."

As Coach Stinson celebrates his 20th year in coaching, it's clear that his journey has been one marked by not only on-court triumphs but also his commitment to shaping young men into leaders, both in sports and in life.