James Bankhead enters his 14th year as an assistant coach for the Reivers. Since joining the men's basketball staff in only Jim Morris' 2nd season, the Reivers have built themselves into a nationally recruited and respected program.  In his previous 13 seasons, Iowa Western has been ranked in the NJCAA Top 20 at some point during the season 9 of those years.  Furthermore, during that time the Reivers have had some 57 former players move on to continue their playing careers at four year institutions, including 43 of those to NCAA division I programs.

Coach Bankhead brings valuable college playing and coaching experience with him to the Iowa Western staff. His playing days started at Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa, where he played one season and led the Spartens in assists from his point guard position. From there, he went to Bellevue University where he led his team to the championship game of the Nebraska Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament. After college, James played professionally for the West Palm Beach Stingrays of the USBL.

After earning his B.A.in Physical Education from Bellevue University in 1990, James became an assistant coach for two years at Bellevue University. During his tenure the Bruins made it once again to the NIA Conference championship game. James has also been a clinician at numerous basketball camps around the country.

A native of Sulligent, Alabama, Bankhead now lives in Omaha and works as a counselor for abused children at APEX Foster Care. James' family includes wife Annette and children Jordan (16), and Tianna (13).

Morris on Bankhead: "James is extremely valuable to our basketball program here at Iowa Western. Coach Bankhead has given our program and staff great continuity. Few if any staffs can find an assistant who has been with one program as long as James, that is such an advantage. He does a great job with the players on and off the floor. Know as an excellent recruiter, James knows how to find players. We are very fortunate to have him."

Office phone: (712) 325-3332