James Blake enters his first season as an assistant coach with Idaho State University, and he will be responsible for the film exchange program, as well as assisting in recruiting and individual player development. Blake spent the previous two seasons on the coaching staff at the University of Victoria, with staff responsibilities of defensive coordination, scouting, and handling the team's guards. Last year, Victoria had early season success, defeating Division I Creighton during the exhibition season. Blake began his coaching career as an assistant coach under the tutelage of legendary coach Ian Hyde-lay of St. Michael's University School in Victoria. Hyde-lay is responibile for producing numerous college and professional basketball players including Steve Nash and former Bengal Danny Boticki. Blake played collegiately at both Brandon University in Manitoba, and at Victoria. At Brandon, Blake's team went 24-6, winning the Canadian University National Championship. At Victoria, he served as the starting point guard for two seasons, winning the Canadian West title and earning an appearance at the Elite Eight in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Blake then went on to play professionally in England for the Coventry Crusaders. He graduated from the Univeristy of Victoria with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history, and he recently graduated from the Masters Coaching Porgram at the National Coaching Instituion at Victoria.