New Mexico Highlands University men’s basketball head coach Zach Settembre has announced the hiring of Terrence Durham as an assistant coach for the 2025–26 season.
Durham joins NMHU with six years of coaching experience, including two at the Junior College Level and three at the prep school level.
“Terrence is a tremendous hire for our men’s basketball program. He brings an organic passion for individual skill development while possessing an infectious energy that draws people to him naturally. His ability to connect with student-athletes from various backgrounds gives our program another impactful coach who is all in on helping our young men become the best version of themselves. I am so excited Terrence is with us,” said first year Cowboys Head Coach Zach Settembre.
Durham started his coaching career at Northwest High School in Clarksville, Tennessee as an Assistant Coach before accepting the Head Coach position at Illinois Preparatory.
Following his stint as the Head Coach at Illinois Preparatory, Durham accepted a position as an Assistant Coach at National Prep Powerhouse Arizona Compass Prep. While at AZ Compass Durham was crucial in the development of 23 Division I players including (Mookie Cook – Oregon, Kylan Boswell – Illinois , Dylan Andrews – Boise State, Lamar Washington – Georgia Tech, Zayden High – North Carolina, Trent Pierce – Missouri, Marcus Allen – Miami).
After two years at Arizona Compass, Durham accepted a position at Gillette College where he was crucial in helping put together a roster that won 27 games in 2023-24 and 29 games in 2024-25. While at Gillette, Durham helped four student athletes make the transition to Division I (Bouna Kebe – Memphis, Drew Fuquay – Marshall, Caleb Hollenbeck – Marshall, & All American Dane Christensen – UT Rio Grande Valley).
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the cowboy nation! With a grounded culture, strong work ethic and discipline, I plan to help develop these men to their highest potential.” Durham said. “I am eager to be alongside Coach Settembre who shares the same values and dedication to the game as me. We have a great group and I’m passionate about what we are putting together here at NMHU!”
Prior to his coaching career Durham was a Top 100 player coming out of high school before enrolling at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas. As a Freshman at South Plains, Durham helped lead the Texans to an undefeated 36-0 season which included a National Championship.
After his two years at South Plains, Durham continued his career back in his home state of Tennessee at the University of Tennessee at Martin. In his two years at UT Martin, Durham was a part of two 20+ win seasons.
Following his collegiate career, Durham spent two seasons playing professionally in Australia before returning to the States to pursue his coaching career.
Durham resides in Las Vegas with his fiancé Meghan Sands and their one year-old son Trillience Durham.
What they’re saying about Terrence Durham:
“Terrence Durham is a winner in every way imaginable. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Coach Durham for over a decade now, and he has an amazing work ethic, a high basketball IQ and has the ability to relate to players in a way many simply cannot. I couldn’t be happier for the New Mexico Highlands basketball program. They just got better.”
-Heath Schroyer, Director of Athletics, McNeese State University
“Terrence will be a great addition to the NMHU basketball staff. His willingness to both work and grow is his most outstanding characteristic. He brings many experiences as a player and coach from previous programs which will benefit him as a mentor to the players he will be responsible for assisting."
-Steve Green, Assistant Coach, University of Texas El Paso
“Terrence is an elite up and coming coach who has consistently made an impact on team success and helping young men succeed in life. He is passionate and continues to impact winning in every program he is a part of. I look forward to watching him help Coach Settembre have continued success and for the Cowboys to have a great year!”
-Hank Plona, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Western Kentucky University
