RALEIGH — If new St. Augustine's men's basketball coach Ken Spencer has a question about running his program, he has a who's who list of coaches and former coaches to call.

Among the coaches on the former University of North Carolina at Pembroke star's speed dial are Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt and former Iowa and Southern Cal coach George Raveling.

"I will never claim to know everything there is about basketball," Spencer said. "If I ever have a question, don't think I won't hesitate to pick up the phone and reach out them."

While Spencer's rolodex may include nationally recognized coaches, he added he also speaks with one of his former coaches and boss — UNCP's Dan Kenney.

"He was probably the most organized coach I have ever been around," Spencer said. "He used to make us get planners as players and plan out everything you were going to do during the day."

Spencer, a four-year starter for the Braves, was introduced as St. Augustine's new coach Wednesday. Spencer replaces Lonnie Blow Jr., who guided the school at its first Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament championship since 1997.

Spencer understands he is going to be a little behind his competition after accepting the position so late, but is looking forward to the challenge.

"I'm coming in a little late, but hitting the ground running," Spencer said. "I really feel blessed and highly fortunate about this opportunity to run my own program."

Spencer thought his time when he would receive the tap to become a head coach at the collegiate level may have passed. He was an assistant coach at Winston-Salem State for the past four seasons under Bobby Collins.

"I really thought it wasn't going to happen this time last year," Spencer said. "I even thought about going back into coaching in high school. But I was able to persevere through the storm and I plan on taking advantage of the situation."

Spencer had a successful high school coaching resume. He coached for two seasons at Scotland County, leading the Scots to the state playoffs both seasons before accepting the job at Marlboro County in Bennettsville, S.C., In his eight seasons with Marlboro County, Spencer guided the Bulldogs to three state title game appearances and one championship in 2001. After leading the team to the crown he was named the South Carolina Statewide Coach of the year.