Jeff Battle, known nationally as one of college basketball's top assistant coaches, begins his sixth season at Wake Forest as associate head coach and his 22nd season overall in the coaching profession.

Battle is with head coach Skip Prosser for the 14th straight year and at his third different school. He was on the Loyola (MD) College staff in 1993-94 when Prosser made his head coaching debut, then joined him on the sidelines at Xavier for seven seasons before coming to Winston-Salem prior to the start of the 2001-02 season.

Battle has been instrumental in Wake Forest's success the past five seasons as the Deacons won a school-record 27 games in 2005, advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in 2004 and won the 2003 ACC regular season title. Wake Forest has averaged 22 wins per season during Battle's tenure.

Battle, a tireless recruiter, has helped bring in four consecutive blue-ribbon recruiting classes.

"I believe in what we are striving to accomplish as a coaching staff and as an athletic department," Battle said. "It truly is an exciting time to be at Wake Forest."

At both Wake Forest and Xavier, Battle concentrated his expertise on the development of the guards. Both Chris Paul, a 2005 All-American, and Josh Howard, a 2003 NBA first-round draft pick, credit Battle with their emergence as all-around players. At Xavier, Battle played a big role in helping James Posey make the transition from post player to perimeter player.

At Xavier, Battle was instrumental in the Musketeers' success from 1995 through 2001. During his seven seasons at Xavier, the Musketeers won 20 games or more six times while advancing to postseason play six times, including five NCAA Tournament appearances. Xavier averaged more than 21 wins per season during Battle's tenure on the sidelines.

In 1993-94 at Loyola, Battle was a part of one of college basketball's greatest turnarounds. The year before Prosser and Battle arrived at Loyola, the Greyhounds were a dismal 2-25. But Loyola turned its fortunes around under Prosser's staff; finishing 17-13 and making the NCAA Tournament for the only time in school history.

Prior to Loyola, Battle was an assistant coach for three seasons at Delaware State. The 1990-91 Hornets set a school record for victories with 19 and had the school's best-ever MEAC mark at 10-6.

In 1989 and 1990, Battle served as head coach at Caesar Rodney High School in Dover, DE.

Battle, 44, began his college coaching career as a graduate assistant at Marshall University (1985-86) under head coach Rick Huckaby and as a graduate assistant at Delaware (1986-88) under coach Steve Steinwedel. Both teams enjoyed success during that time. Marshall was 19-11 in 1985-86, while Delaware was 31-25 from 1986-88.

"Jeff is truly a terrific coach as well as being a tremendous person," Prosser said. "An outstanding recruiter, Jeff also excels at coaching basketball.

"Jeff did a particularly stellar job of preparing Josh Howard for the NBA individual tryouts that preceded the draft. Our players at Wake are truly blessed to have Jeff as a teacher and mentor."

Battle's success as a coach followed an illustrious career as a player. He played four seasons at Marshall, helping the Thundering Herd compile a record of 82-38 from 1982-85. Battle was the starting point guard and a captain in his junior and senior seasons, guiding Marshall to two consecutive NCAA Tournament berths.

Battle, born Oct. 26, 1961 in Philadelphia, received his bachelor's degree in physical education from Marshall. He received his master's degree in physical education from Delaware in 1988. Battle and his wife, Joyce, reside in Winston-Salem with their son, Jordan (12).