Columbia, MD - Howard Community College is excited to announce the promotion of assistant men's basketball coach Jamaal Wise to head men's basketball coach for the 2026-27 season.
Coach Wise previously served as head coach of Howard CC's JV men's basketball team last season and was an assistant coach to the men's varsity basketball team. He replaces long-time head coach Mike Smelkinson, who is stepping down to serve as Associate Vice President of Athletics for Howard Community College.
"Coach Wise is a proven winner at this level who has all the qualities necessary to lead our team on the sidelines," said Smelkinson. "He has already made a big impact on the program as an assistant coach last season and will be able to make his mark as head coach. Our men's basketball program is in good hands with him at the helm, and I look forward to watching him succeed in Dragon Country."
Wise served as an assistant coach for the Dragons last season and was head coach of the JV basketball program. Prior to Howard, he coached at Montgomery College from 2015 to 2025. Wise originally served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, focusing on bringing in top-level talents for the Raptors. His work paid off, as the Raptors recorded four 20-win seasons during his seven years as an assistant and sent multiple student-athletes to four-year programs.
In 2022, Wise was promoted to head coach at Montgomery. During three seasons at the helm, Wise led the Raptors to a 55-35 overall record and made the Region 20 playoffs all three seasons. His 2022-23 team made the Region 20 championship game, and his 2024-25 team compiled a 24-8 campaign with a national ranking of 24th in the country. During that season, the Raptors climbed as high as number twelve in the country. His coaching philosophy focuses on player development, accountability, leadership, and preparing student-athletes for success beyond the court.
Wise hails from Burtonsville, Maryland, and played high school ball for Paint Branch High School. He helped his Panthers win 2000 Maryland 3A State Championship with a 22-5 record and was named to the Washington Post All-Metropolitan Second Team. His senior season saw the Panthers finish with a 24-1 record and Wise himself be named to the Post All-Met First Team, win the Powerade Maryland Mr. Basketball award, and play in the Capital Classic All-Star Game.
After high school, Wise attended the University of Rhode Island on a full scholarship. From 2001 to 2006, Wise helped the Rams to multiple 20-win seasons and graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications. Across 118 games played, Wise averaged 6.2 points per game and 4.0 rebounds per game.
He played professionally overseas from 2006 to 2014 with teams in England, Uruguay, Italy, Canada, and Argentina. During a stint playing semi-pro ball in the United States, Wise earned a tryout with the Erie BayHawks of the then NBA Development League (Now known as the NBA G-League). Following his retirement due to injuries, Wise earned his master's degree in secondary mathematics education with a concentration in curriculum and instruction in 2018.
Coach Wise and the Dragons will begin their campaign this fall, with preseasons scrimmages set to begin in late October.
