James Samuels is entering his first season working with the men's basketball program. Formerly a player at Adelphi, Samuels will work with the Panthers as a strength and conditioning coach.

An All-Long Island selection in high school, Samuels attended Sacred Heart University, where he was a three-year member of the basketball team. While at Sacred Heart he was a member of the all-rookie team and earned a degree in psychology.

Samuels was a memebr of the men's basketball team during the 2004-05 season, helping the Panthers to an NCAA Division II tournament berth. Samuels also played professional basketball in Portugal for Povoa de Varzim. While in Portugal Samuels averaged 24 points, 12 rebounds and five assists a game, earning team MVP honors.

Samuels is currently the president and owner of Work 2XL Corp., an atlhetic performance and skill development training company. He is also pursuing a graduate degree in physical education at Adelphi and will graduate in May 2008.