Virginia Union officially introduced former star guard A.J. English as its next men’s basketball coach in a press conference filled with legends of the past.
One of which included English’s legendary coach, Dave Robbins, who gave his former player a tremendous vote of confidence ahead of his first season at the helm of his alma mater.
During English’s introductory press conference, Robbins gave his remarks on his expectations of the Panthers under his direction, saying, “We’re going to put [Virginia] Union back on the map with not one CIAA championship in 11 years, but a bunch. And we’re going to win another national championship within the next four years.”
Legendary #VUU Men’s Basketball Coach Dave Robbins with a strong prediction about the program during the AJ English introductory press conference!@CBS6 @vuupanthersmbb @VAUnion1865 #AJEnglish #DaveRobbins pic.twitter.com/foymq9XJ3S
— Sean Robertson (@CBS6SportsSean) April 17, 2026
Serving as head coach at Virginia Union from 1978-2008, Coach Robbins helped lead Virginia Union to 14 CIAA championships and three NCAA Division II National Championships (1980, 1992, 2005).
His 2005 team marked the eighth time an HBCU took home the national title and is the most recent instance of an HBCU doing so (also has the most recent title game appearance in 2006).
In addition to English, the 2012 College Basketball Hall of Fame inductee coached five players who went on to play in the NBA.
These include Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Ben Wallace and 19-year NBA veteran Charles Oakley.
Virginia Union is coming off a 2025-2026 season in which it finished with a 25-6 overall record and was selected to the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball tournament as an at-large bid.
For the first time since 2023, the Panthers advanced past the first round of the Division II tournament after beating West Liberty 52-46.
Former head coach Jay Butler recently departed the team after eight seasons at the helm, accepting the head coaching position at Winston-Salem State.
