Photo by: Columbia University Athletics/Geoffrey Bolte
Nate Hickman ‘18CC Promoted to Assistant Coach
5/28/2026 10:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Hickman served as Columbia’s Director of Strategy in 2025-26
NEW YORK — Columbia men's basketball head coach Kevin Hovde has announced the promotion of alumnus Nate Hickman '18 CC to assistant coach.
Columbia went 16-12 last season in Hickman's first season back with the program and secured the program's first winning campaign since 2015-16, when Hickman was a sophomore on the team. The Lions had the eighth-best rebounding margin in the country and ranked inside the top 35 nationally in offensive rebounds per game and rebounds per game. In 14 Ivy League games, Columbia led the conference in offensive rebounds. Eight of Columbia's wins came by 15 or more points.
"Nate is a very talented young coach and extremely passionate about Columbia basketball," Hovde said. "Most importantly, he is a great mentor for our student-athletes. I'm excited to see him thrive in this new role and grateful for his continued hard work within our program."
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.
"Columbia has always been home for me," Hickman said. "Being back on the best campus in the best city in the world has been a dream come true. Working for Coach Hovde and learning from him and his staff has prepared me for this incredible opportunity. I'm excited for the chance to continue to elevate Columbia men's basketball."
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.
Follow The Lions
For the latest on Columbia men's basketball, follow @CULionsMBB on X and Instagram, search Columbia men's basketball on Facebook, or follow on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
Columbia went 16-12 last season in Hickman's first season back with the program and secured the program's first winning campaign since 2015-16, when Hickman was a sophomore on the team. The Lions had the eighth-best rebounding margin in the country and ranked inside the top 35 nationally in offensive rebounds per game and rebounds per game. In 14 Ivy League games, Columbia led the conference in offensive rebounds. Eight of Columbia's wins came by 15 or more points.
"Nate is a very talented young coach and extremely passionate about Columbia basketball," Hovde said. "Most importantly, he is a great mentor for our student-athletes. I'm excited to see him thrive in this new role and grateful for his continued hard work within our program."
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.
"Columbia has always been home for me," Hickman said. "Being back on the best campus in the best city in the world has been a dream come true. Working for Coach Hovde and learning from him and his staff has prepared me for this incredible opportunity. I'm excited for the chance to continue to elevate Columbia men's basketball."
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.
Follow The Lions
For the latest on Columbia men's basketball, follow @CULionsMBB on X and Instagram, search Columbia men's basketball on Facebook, or follow on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
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