Introduction to Arkansas State University’s Head Basketball Coach
Arkansas State University (ASU) is a public research and teaching university located in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Founded in 1909, ASU is the flagship campus of the Arkansas State University System. ASU is home to more than 14,000 students, many of whom participate in various varsity athletics. Among the sports teams at ASU is the men’s basketball team, which competes in the Sun Belt Conference of the NCAA Division I. The head coach of the men’s basketball team is Mike Balado.
Who is Mike Balado?
Mike Balado is a native of Cuba and was raised in Miami, Florida. He attended Florida International University, where he played basketball and earned his bachelor’s degree in business management. He then went on to earn his master’s degree in sports administration from the University of Miami. Balado has been a basketball coach for over 20 years, first as an assistant coach and then as a head coach. He has been the head coach of the ASU men’s basketball team since 2018.
Coaching Career
Balado has held numerous coaching positions throughout his career. He began as an assistant coach for Miami Dade College in 2000 and then moved to Florida International University, where he was an assistant coach from 2002 to 2007. He then returned to Miami Dade College as an assistant coach in 2008 and then was promoted to head coach in 2011. Balado was then hired as an assistant coach at Texas Tech University in 2013 and then moved to the University of Louisville in 2015 as an associate head coach. In 2018 he was hired as the head coach of the ASU men’s basketball team.
Achievements and Awards
Balado has been recognized for his coaching success throughout his career. He was named the Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year for the 2018-2019 season and was also named the NABC District 24 Coach of the Year for the same season. He has led the ASU men’s basketball team to its best season in program history and has been instrumental in helping the team achieve its highest ranking in the Associated Press Poll.
Philosophy and Style of Coaching
Balado’s coaching philosophy is based on the idea of having a “family atmosphere”. He believes in creating an environment where players can be successful both on and off the court. He also emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and a team-first mentality. Balado’s style of coaching is rooted in the idea of playing a fast-paced, up-tempo style of basketball. He also emphasizes the importance of defense and rebounding.
Recruiting
Balado has been successful in recruiting players to the ASU men’s basketball program. He has been able to bring in talented players from all over the country, including the likes of Markquis Nowell, Rhaheed Johnson, and Jayden Scrubb. Balado has also been able to recruit top-tier transfers such as Quavius Copeland and Terrence Shannon, Jr.
Notable Victories
During his tenure as head coach of the ASU men’s basketball team, Balado has led the team to several notable victories. These include wins over power conference opponents such as the University of Arkansas and the University of Tennessee. Balado has also led the team to wins over ranked opponents such as the University of Oklahoma and the University of Kansas.
Community Outreach
Balado has been very active in the Jonesboro community, participating in various events and initiatives. He has been involved in the On Campus with Balado program, which brings high school students to ASU for a day to experience college life. Balado has also been involved in the Red Wolves Reading Program, which encourages elementary school students to read and develop a love for literature. He also participates in the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce’s “Leadership Jonesboro” program, which helps develop the next generation of leaders in the community.
The Future of the ASU Men’s Basketball Program
With Balado at the helm, the ASU men’s basketball program is in good hands. He has been successful in recruiting top-tier talent and has led the team to its best season in program history. With the continued success of the program, the ASU men’s basketball team is sure to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
Conclusion
Mike Balado has been a great addition to the ASU men’s basketball program. His coaching style, recruiting success, and commitment to the community have made him a favorite among ASU fans. With Balado leading the way, the future of the ASU men’s basketball program looks very bright.