JCSU's Steve Joyner on verge of coaching milestone

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Steve Joyner doesn’t have time to look back. Or ahead.

The Johnson C. Smith basketball coach is on the verge of his 500th career win, rare territory in the CIAA, where only Naissmith Hall of Fame inductees Big House Gaines and Dave Robbins have more. Joyner, who could join them at this weekend’s Tip-Off Classic, is more interested in winning right now.

“I don’t worry about individual records in terms of this one coming up,” he said. “A lot of attention would be brought to me for that, but when I do think about that, I think about the number of people I’ve been associated with who’ve helped us get there. I’m more concerned about these guys getting better and winning their next ball game. That’s what’s most important to me.”



When Joyner took over the Golden Bulls in 1987, Ronald Reagan was president, the PTL scandal engulfed Charlotte TV evangelist Jim Bakker and Michael Jackson was atop the music charts with “Bad.” Joyner couldn’t recall his first win when asked by a reporter – an 81-63 victory against Knoxville College at Brayboy Gym – but the Golden Bulls (1-1) are eager to deliver the 500th.

“We were aware of it as a team last year, but he doesn’t talk much about it,” senior guard Diondre Pratt said. “He’s more into taking it one game at a time. He’s more worried on getting his team together than him. He’s a coach who puts his team before himself at all times.”

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