SUFFOLK-Franklin Chatman, a veteran of more than 10 years in high school basketball and most recently head coach for the Boo Williams Nike Elite traveling team, has been hired as Nansemond-Suffolk Academy’s new Varsity boys’ basketball coach.

NSA Athletic Director Betty Jean Riddick announced the hiring.

A graduate of Virginia State and Old Dominion University, Chatman comes to NSA from John F. Kennedy Middle School in Suffolk, where he worked as assistant principal. In addition, Chatman brings more than 13 years of coaching experience, having previously coached basketball with several teams throughout Hampton Roads, including Greenville County High School in Emporia, Newport News Apprentice School in Newport News and Nansemond River High School in Suffolk.

Chatman is the founder of Young Men of D.I.R.E.C.T.I.O.N. Inc. and is a member of the Virginia High School League Coaches Association.

“Coach Chatman has all of the key elements we were looking for in our new basketball coach,” Riddick said. “As we embark on another year at NSA, we are extremely fortunate to have a coach of his caliber in our ranks. Playing on our newly renovated Thomas W. Johnson Gymnasium hardwood floor, our team will not only benefit from our enhanced facility but also from the expertise of Chatman. He will be a wonderful addition to our coaching staff.”