After an outstanding time at James Hubert Blake High School in Silver Spring, Desmin Wade was appointed general manager and assistant coach at Grambling State. He guided the program to four Division Championships, one County Championship, and five Regional Championship berths during his five years at Blake, where he amassed an incredible 91-35 record.
The Bengals finished the 2024–2025 regular season with a 19-1 record, tied for first place in Maryland, and qualified for the Washington Post All Met Sports top 25 thanks in large part to Wade’s leadership.
Wade received the James Hubert Blake Coach of the Year award for his exceptional achievements. The team displayed outstanding talent under his direction, especially Baba Oladotun, a sophomore sensation. Oladotun, who ESPN regarded as the best sophomore in the country, made history by being chosen as the first Blake basketball student-athlete to be named to the First Team All-Met.
Wade was head coach at High Point High School prior to his revolutionary influence at Blake, where he guided the team to its first regional final in more than 15 years in the 2018–19 campaign. Three seasons at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Maryland, were part of his prior career. He joined as a graduate assistant while pursuing his master’s degree, and after two years as Director of Basketball Operations and Defensive Coordinator, he was instrumental in leading the Shock to a National Championship in 2014.
Wade, a native of Forestville, Maryland, has a long history with basketball. After beginning his undergraduate career at Montgomery College Germantown, which was ranked fourth among junior colleges in 2008, he played guard for two seasons at Washington Adventist University. Wade, who has a long history as a coach and player, brings a plethora of success and expertise to his new position at Grambling State.
