Dalonte Hill enters his second season at Tennessee State in 2026-27 and his first as associate head coach after being promoted in summer 2026. Hill serves as the program’s lead recruiter and plays a central role in player development, bringing nearly two decades of collegiate coaching experience to head coach Nolan Smith’s staff.
Hill joined Tennessee State as an assistant coach in 2025 and helped the Tigers produce a historic first season under Smith. TSU finished 23-10 overall and 15-5 in Ohio Valley Conference play, establishing a program record for victories in the NCAA Division I era. The Tigers earned a share of their first OVC regular-season championship since 1994-95 before capturing their first conference tournament title and NCAA Tournament berth since 1994.
Tennessee State defeated Morehead State, 93-67, in the OVC Tournament championship game, setting championship-game records for points scored and margin of victory. The Tigers advanced to the NCAA Tournament as the No. 15 seed in the Midwest Region, facing No. 2 seed Iowa State in St. Louis.
Hill’s work in recruiting and player development contributed to a roster that produced three All-OVC selections. Aaron Nkrumah was named OVC Player of the Year and joined Travis Harper II on the All-OVC First Team, while Dante Harris earned All-OVC Second Team and All-Newcomer Team honors.
In his expanded role, Hill helps direct Tennessee State’s recruiting strategy, roster development and individual player improvement. His responsibilities include identifying prospects, building relationships with recruits and their families, and helping players prepare for their roles within the program. The Tigers’ 2026-27 roster includes experienced Division I transfers alongside returning players from the championship team.
Before joining TSU, Hill served on the coaching staffs at Chicago State during the 2024-25 season and Stephen F. Austin. His previous collegiate stops also include Maryland, Kansas State, Charlotte, Southern Miss and Austin Peay, giving him experience across a range of conferences and recruiting markets.
At Maryland, Hill helped assemble back-to-back top-25 recruiting classes under Mark Turgeon. His recruiting work included leading the pursuit of guard Roddy Peters, the top-ranked player in Maryland’s 2013 class.
Hill coached at Kansas State from 2006-11 under Bob Huggins and Frank Martin, advancing to associate head coach and recruiting coordinator in 2007. During his tenure, the Wildcats recorded five consecutive 20-win seasons and reached the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2010 and 2011. He helped recruit Michael Beasley and Bill Walker and contributed to classes that brought four McDonald’s All-Americans to Kansas State.
Hill began his collegiate coaching career at Charlotte, working under Bobby Lutz from 2003-06. He helped guide the 49ers to a 61-30 record, three consecutive postseason appearances and NCAA Tournament berths in 2004 and 2005. Charlotte also earned a share of the 2004 Conference USA regular-season championship. During that span, Hill helped coach two All-Americans and 2005 Conference USA Player of the Year Eddie Basden.
As a student-athlete, Hill played three seasons at Charlotte from 1997-2000, helping the 49ers reach the NCAA Tournament’s second round in 1998 and 1999 and the NIT in 2000. He completed his collegiate playing career at Bowie State before returning to Charlotte to earn his bachelor’s degree in sociology in 2001.
