NEW YORK — Columbia men's basketball head coach Kevin Hovde has announced the hiring of alumnus Nate Hickman '18 CC as Director of Strategy.

"I feel extremely grateful to be back at Columbia University," Hickman said. "I'm excited to join Coach Hovde's staff and get to work. I look forward to helping our student-athletes on and off the court so they get the most out of the Columbia experience."

Hickman appeared in 104 games at Columbia over four seasons from 2014-18, making 54 starts. He totaled 700 career points and was part of the 2015-16 CollegeInsider.com Tournament Championship team that went 25-10 (10-4). In 2016, Hickman received the Walter H. Bernson Award, which is given to the member of the team who best exemplifies the qualities of team spirit, hustle and determination. Hickman was recruited as a player by Hovde during his first stint at Columbia as an assistant coach.

"I'm very excited to bring Nate back to Columbia and have him join our staff," Hovde said. "Nate is a proud Columbia alum who has a great basketball mind. He will represent our program very well and be a great mentor to our student-athletes.

Following his Columbia career, Hickman played professionally from 2018-20. The Newark, Delaware native spent time in the NBA G League with the Long Island Nets, Delaware Bluecoats, and Westchester Knicks. Hickman also played in the Mexican CIBACOPA League with Pioneros De Los Mochis.

From 2020-25, Hickman served as a personal skills trainer in South Korea for Jameel Warney and was an assistant coach with the Seoul SK Knights. During his time on the staff, the Knights won four championships and Hickman oversaw four different players total six MVP awards.