Paul Quinn College isn’t just talking about innovation—they’re putting it into action again.
The Dallas-based HBCU just made a pair of moves that could reshape the future of its men’s basketball program.
Paul Quinn has tapped Ani Umana as its first-ever General Manager for Basketball and brought in Dimario Jackson, Sr. as the new head coach.
Umana is a plugged-in basketball mind
Umana arrives with a reputation that stretches across the entire basketball ecosystem. He worked as an ESPN Next National Scout, a Naismith High School Player of the Year committee member, and host of the popular “Next Gen Pod” on the Field of 68 platform.
But Umana isn’t just plugged in—he’s proven. He’s been on the bench, compiling a 163-71 coaching record, earning SWAIC Coach of the Year honors in 2023, and capturing a national championship that same year with TACA.
Now, he steps into a new kind of role, where he’ll handle roster building, fundraising, and expanding the program’s brand into new spaces.
Think of it as a modern front-office approach at the small college level.
Dimario Jackson has won everywhere
Dimario Jackson, Sr. comes in after a dominant run at LSU-Alexandria, where he turned the program into a powerhouse. Under his leadership, LSUA stacked conference titles, made consistent NAIA postseason runs, and produced elite talent—including the 2025 NAIA Player of the Year.
His trophy case also includes back-to-back Coach of the Year honors in both the Red River Athletic Conference and Louisiana Small Colleges ranks.
View this post on Instagram
Before LSUA, Jackson made noise at Port Allen High School, winning two state titles in his first two seasons. Whether it’s high school or college, his blueprint has been the same: build culture, develop players, and compete for championships.
Best small college program in the country?
For Paul Quinn President Dr. Michael J. Sorrell, these hires signal something bigger than just staff additions—they’re part of a long-term vision.
“We view Ani and Coach Jackson joining the Quinnite Nation as further proof of the commitment we have made to construct the best small college athletic department in the country,” Sorrell said. “Our goal is to consistently win national championships with student-athletes who are All-Americans both in the classroom and on their respective playing fields. With these hires, we have taken yet another step in that direction. Ani is one of the most respected talent evaluators in the country, and all Coach Jackson knows how to do is win championships.”
Brian Evans, vice president of athletics and student experience at Paul Quinn, echoed that excitement, pointing to both the results and the potential.
View this post on Instagram
“Coach Jackson’s resume speaks for itself,” Evans said. “He has won championships at every level, developed student-athletes into leaders, and established programs built on toughness and competitiveness. We are excited about the energy, vision, and championship mentality he brings to Paul Quinn College. Ani is one of the elite basketball minds and connectors in the business. Bringing him into the fold as a General Manager speaks to the growth we are expecting in the basketball program and school.”
As for Jackson, he’s ready to get to work.
“I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the men’s basketball program at Paul Quinn College,” Jackson said. “I’m excited to get to work with Ani to develop our student-athletes and compete for championships while representing the college and community with pride.”
