NABC Flight School Kicks Off in Kansas City
Exciting news for college basketball! The NABC (National Association of Basketball Coaches) has announced its first-ever Flight School for assistant men’s basketball coaches and athletic administrators. This special event is happening on May 21 at the Nike Philip H. Knight Campus near Portland.
Flight School aims to help rising stars in coaching and athletic administration. Participants will dive into educational panel discussions and mock interviews. They’ll also get a chance to network with key figures in the sports world, including head coaches, athletic directors, and search firm representatives.
Careful thought went into selecting participants. The NABC consulted with head coaches, conference offices, and various college sports professionals to ensure that the chosen individuals are ready for the next big step in their careers.
Meet the 2026 Assistant Coach Cohort
- R-Jay Barsh, Gonzaga
- Neill Berry, Marquette
- Chris Carrawell, Duke
- TJ Cleveland, Texas A&M
- Duffy Conroy, Tulsa
- Emanuel Dildy, Duke
- Courtney Eldridge, Temple
- Mike Farrelly, Notre Dame
- Cody Fueger, Kentucky
- Armon Gates, Minnesota
- Ryan Hamm, Cal State Fullerton
- LaDontae Henton, Georgetown
- Chretien Lukusa, Morgan State
- Jackie Manuel, American
- James Martelli, VCU
- James Miller, Oklahoma State
- Jonathan Mitchell, Mercer
- Brock Morris, Oklahoma
- Pat O’Connell, Towson
- Khristian Smith, Miami (OH)
- Kyle Smithpeters, Missouri
- Mike Sotsky, Harvard
- P.J. Thompson, Purdue
- Nate Tomlinson, Colorado
- Will Voigt, BYU
Meet the 2026 Administrator Cohort
- Kristen Brown, Nebraska
- Ryan Clingan, St. Bonaventure
- HJ Cohn, Oregon
- Ken Dempsey, New Hampshire
- Alfred Grigsby, Seattle
- Tiffini Grimes, Purdue
- Stephen Johnson, Seattle
- Scott Sidwell, Colorado State
The Importance of Development
Experts agree that programs like Flight School are crucial for the growth of aspiring coaches and administrators. According to a recent report from the NCAA, over 40% of college basketball coaches have less than five years of experience. Initiatives like this can bridge that experience gap, preparing young professionals for future leadership roles.
As the college sports landscape continues to evolve, events like this help ensure that emerging leaders are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in a competitive environment. Networking, mentorship, and education can make all the difference.
In summary, the inaugural NABC Flight School represents an important step towards fostering the development of future leaders in college basketball. It’s not just about the game; it’s about shaping the future of the sport itself.
