For Immediate Release: June 26, 2008
Contact: David O'Brian (dobrian@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-6478

Denique Graves named assistant women's basketball coach, Johnson elevated to recruiting coordinator

VESTAL, N.Y. -- The Binghamton women's basketball team has announced the hiring of Denique Graves as an assistant coach. Also, fourth-year assistant coach Bernitha Johnson will take over as the recruiting coordinator, a position first-year head coach Nicole Scholl held until her promotion in April.

Graves is a three-year veteran of the WNBA and has seven years of international playing experience. She was drafted 15th overall in the 1997 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Monarchs and played for two seasons. In 2001, she signed as a free agent with the Orlando Miracle.

Around the globe, Graves played in Brazil (1997), Greece (1998), Turkey (1999) and Bulgaria (2001). In addition, she was both a professional player and a coach in Sweden (2000), Switzerland (2002), Austria (2003-04) and China (2004).

"I am very excited for Denique to join our coaching staff here at Binghamton," Scholl said. "She brings a wealth of playing experience and will be instrumental in the development of our post players. Her ties to the east coast and internationally will also benefit our program. Denique and I have the same philosophy when it comes to teaching and providing a positive experience for the young women in our program."

A 2008 graduate of Howard University, Graves starred for the Bison from 1993-97 before launching her professional career. She was a three-year All-MEAC selection and was the first player from a historically black college or university to be drafted by the WNBA.

Since 2004, Graves has been a coach at seven different basketball camps. Most recently, she was the Girls Basketball Director and Coach for the Headfirst Camp in Washington D.C.

TRANSACTION

Binghamton University--Denique Graves named assistant women's basketball coach. Bernitha Johnson elevated to recruiting coordinator.