Howard Community College men’s basketball promoted assistant coach Jamaal Wise to head coach for the 2026-27 season, the school announced July 6, 2026. Wise previously served as head coach of the Howard Community College junior varsity men’s basketball team and as an assistant coach with the varsity program.
Wise replaces Mike Smelkinson, who is stepping down as head coach to become Associate Vice President of Athletics for Howard Community College. Wise coached at Montgomery College from 2015 to 2025 before joining the Dragons.
Jamaal Wise Led Montgomery College to Region 20 Playoffs
Wise began at Montgomery College as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator before earning a promotion to head coach in 2022. During three seasons in that role, he led the Raptors to a 55-35 overall record and Region 20 playoff appearances in all three seasons.
Montgomery College reached the Region 20 championship game during the 2022-23 season. The Raptors went 24-8 in 2024-25, finished the season ranked No. 24 nationally and reached as high as No. 12.
During his seven years as an assistant, Wise was part of four 20-win seasons, and Montgomery College sent multiple student-athletes to four-year programs.
Howard Community College Men’s Basketball Begins New Era
Wise spent last season as an assistant coach for Howard Community College’s varsity team while leading the junior varsity program. That experience will inform his first season as head coach of the Dragons’ men’s basketball team.
“Coach Wise is a proven winner at this level who has all the qualities necessary to lead our team on the sidelines,” said Smelkinson. “He has already made a big impact on the program as an assistant coach last season and will be able to make his mark as head coach. Our men’s basketball program is in good hands with him at the helm, and I look forward to watching him succeed in Dragon Country.”
Howard Community College’s preseason scrimmages are set to begin in late October.
Jamaal Wise’s Maryland and Playing Background
Wise is from Burtonsville, Maryland, and played at Paint Branch High School. He helped the Panthers win the 2000 Maryland 3A State Championship with a 22-5 record and earned Washington Post All-Metropolitan Second Team honors.
During his senior season, Paint Branch finished 24-1, while Wise received Washington Post All-Metropolitan First Team honors, won the Powerade Maryland Mr. Basketball award and played in the Capital Classic All-Star Game.
Wise attended the University of Rhode Island on a full scholarship from 2001 to 2006 and earned a bachelor’s degree in communications. In 118 college games, he averaged 6.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.
Wise played professionally overseas from 2006 to 2014 with teams in England, Uruguay, Italy, Canada and Argentina. During a period playing semi-professionally in the United States, he earned a tryout with the Erie BayHawks.
After retiring because of injuries, Wise earned a master’s degree in secondary mathematics education with a concentration in curriculum and instruction in 2018.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Howard Community College has promoted a coach with an established connection to the program and significant experience leading at the collegiate level. Wise’s 55-35 record at Montgomery College and three Region 20 playoff appearances provide relevant preparation for his first season with the varsity Dragons.
Smelkinson will remain with Howard Community College Athletics as Associate Vice President of Athletics. Wise and the men’s basketball team are scheduled to begin preseason scrimmages in late October.
Source: Original report
