NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Brandon Baker has been named Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Christopher Newport University.  Baker joins the staff of new Head Coach Jarren Dyson, who is heading into his first season leading the Captains. Baker becomes part of the CNU staff following a three-year stint at Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C., where he served as assistant men's basketball coach.

"I am very excited about joining the staff at Christopher Newport," Baker said. "This is an incredible opportunity to continue to learn, grow, and compete at a high level with a great staff. I am excited to learn from and work with Coach Dyson, our entire staff, and a very talented roster of student-athletes." 

Baker's tenure at Guilford was highlighted by an NCAA Division III Final 4 appearance in 2023-24, and an Old Dominion Athletic Conference Tournament Championship in the 2024-25 campaign. Baker began his coaching career at his alma mater, Averett University, in Danville, Va. He spent five seasons there as an assistant, and coordinated recruiting efforts along with handling game film breakdown. In the 2021-22 season, he helped the Cougars capture the USA South Athletic Conference regular season and tournament championships. Baker also assisted in administrative areas including budgeting, equipment, and travel arrangements.

The Virginia Beach native played basketball at Averett University and was involved in game day management and sports information operations as a student-athlete. He also was a member of the staff that led the Averett Men's Basketball Camp. Baker earned his Master's of Business Administration from Averett University in August of 2020 after completing his undergraduate degree in Physical Education from Averett in May 2018.

"We're excited to welcome Brandon and his wife Carol to our CNU family," Dyson said. "Brandon is a high character coach who has shown a strong ability to recruit, develop and mentor players at a high level. Throughout his coaching career, he has worn many different hats that will help our program tremendously. He will have a huge impact on our players both on and off the court."

Dyson's first Christopher Newport staff will consist of Baker along with longtime Assistant Coach Roland Ross, who is heading into his 43^rd season on the CNU sideline. They'll be joined by Dione James, who will be in his eighth year assisting.

Christopher Newport is coming off its fourth trip to the national semifinals, and the Captains finished the year ranked fourth in the country with a 25-6 overall record. CNU reached the NCAA Tournament for the 29th time and tenth straight season, marking the longest active streak in the nation.