BOSTON, Mass., March 29, 2022 – Howard University head men's basketball coach Kenneth Blakeney was among the finalists for the Ben Jobe Award and the Skip Prosser Man of the Year Award. The announcement came Tuesday, March 22.
 
The Ben Jobe Award, which is presented annually to the top Division I minority coach, is named in honor of one of the finest men to ever to coach college basketball while the Skip Prosser Man of the Year award honors those who not only achieve success on the basketball court but who display moral integrity off the floor as well.
 
"I am beyond grateful to be considered for the Skip Prosser and Ben Jobe awards that recognizes excellence both on and off the basketball court," Blakeney said. "Often, I am evaluated on wins and losses, but to know that my work that spans to career development, voter registration, social justice and drawing greater resources to HBCU athletics and helping young men with their growth and development has gained traction demonstrates that my true value rests in my ability to create a lasting legacy. I credit my coaching colleagues, my staff, Howard University, the parents and certainly the student-athletes for trusting the process, supporting the expansion into new territories, and for putting in the work so we can collectively achieve great new things."
 
Since his arrival, Blakeney has coached the conference's all-time leading scorer Charles Williams and a pair of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Rookie of the Year honorees, including D.C. native Elijah Hawkins.
 
Entering his second season, Blakeney signed highly talented Makur Maker, who became the first 5-star recruit to commit to an Historically Black College or University (HBCU) since ESPN started ranking prospects in 2007.
 
Off the court, during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the program gave their student-athletes an opportunity to chat and learn from high profile guest speakers through its weekly series, which took place twice a week via Zoom. The series focuses on leaders in their respective fields while providing the student-athletes a chance to connect and network.
 
Before the 2020 presidential election, Howard partnered with When We All Vote (WWAV), a national, nonpartisan nonprofit that brings together citizens, institutions, brands, and organizations to increase participation in every election. Launched by Michelle Obama, the organization is committed to closing the race and age voting gap and empowering all eligible voters to cast their ballot by harnessing grassroots energy, establishing strategic partnerships, and implementing digital organizing strategies, with the ultimate goal of changing the culture around voting.

Both prestigious awards will be announced Friday (April 1) in New Orleans, site of the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship.
 
Blakeney wrapped up his third season at the helm where the Bison finished with their first winning season since 2001 (16-13, 9-5 MEAC).