Robert Jones Selected to Speak at 2026 NABC Championship Basketball Clinic

5/13/2026 4:20:00 PM

Robert Jones at James Madison (Dec. 6, 2025)

Norfolk State Men's Basketball Head Coach Robert Jones is set to participate as a featured speaker at the 2026 NABC Championship Basketball Clinic in Atlanta from May 15-17.

Jones is no stranger to the national stage, having previously spoken at the prestigious clinic on multiple occasions while contributing 10 instructional lessons to the NABC coaching library.

As the longtime leader of the Norfolk State University men’s basketball program, Jones has guided the Spartans to multiple conference championships and postseason appearances while continuing to elevate the national profile of the program.

NSU Athletics recently talked with Jones to discuss his participation in this year’s clinic and how opportunities like this continue to benefit Norfolk State basketball.

Coach Jones with Jaylani Darden at the 2025 NCAA First Round game vs. No. 1 Florida

Q: Looking at the caliber of coaches speaking at this year’s clinic — including national championship coaches and leaders from across Division I basketball — what does it mean for you and the Norfolk State program to be included among that group?

It’s always an honor to be selected for these events. The NABC targets the best and brightest coaches in the country for these clinics. This is now my ninth time being chosen, and it’s always cool to share my basketball knowledge with hundreds of coaches. To be selected just shows how the Norfolk State program is viewed throughout the country.

Q: How valuable is an opportunity like the NABC Championship Basketball Clinic for continuing to elevate the national visibility and reputation of Norfolk State basketball?

Any time you can share ‘The Norfolk State Way’ with people from all across the country, it helps bring visibility to the program. Some of the attendees might be future administrators, decision-makers in college basketball, or future coaches that could potentially work for you.

And probably the most important aspect is that some of the high school and junior college coaches attending are coaches from programs you may recruit from one day. It’s exciting to be able to share our way with the country.

Coach Jones prior to MEAC Basketball Tournament

Q: From a recruiting standpoint, how does participating as a featured speaker at an event like this help showcase the direction and credibility of the Norfolk State program to prospective student-athletes?

Opportunities like this help showcase what we are building here and continue putting Norfolk State in front of people from all levels of basketball.

Coach Jones in a huddle during a timeout (2025-26 season)

Q: Throughout your coaching career, how have events like the NABC clinic helped you grow as a coach through networking, learning new concepts, and exchanging ideas with other successful programs?

Even with the success we’ve had here at Norfolk State, I tell my assistants they need to attend at least one of these events every year. The game of basketball is always evolving, and new concepts are always on the horizon. We want to stay ahead of the curve, and clinics like these are very influential.

No one reinvents the wheel in basketball, but coaches take concepts and adjust them to fit their own program.

Coaches vs. Cancer Game - Jan. 24, 2026 vs. Coppin State

Q: What are you hoping to take away from this weekend’s clinic that can continue helping Norfolk State compete for championships and sustain success at a high level?

I look forward to presenting and talking the game of basketball with fellow colleagues. But I also look forward to learning from other people while I’m there.

For complete coverage of Norfolk State Athletics, follow the Spartans on social media at @nsuspartans (X/Twitter), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), and @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit nsuspartans.com.

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