Valleys are Filled with Most Impactful Coaches

Editor: The following includes much of a press release by silverwavesmedia.com.

Silver Waves Media Honors Assistant Coaches

“Head Coaches are only as strong as the people they surround themselves with and it is no coincidence that the most successful programs also have some of the greatest assistant coaches in the game. To be considered for this list, the coaches must be current assistants for mid major Division I programs. These coaches are considered the most impactful in the country and they are all poised to take a head coaching position in the future, whether their first or a return to a lead role. After consulting with a panel of basketball professionals, we present: The Most Impactful High Major Assistant Coaches in D1 Men’s Basketball.”

Silver Waves honored over 80, mid-major coaches.

Missouri Valley Coaches

Three current Missouri Valley Conference assistant coaches were honored. Bradley’s Drew Adams, Southern Illinois’ Brendan Mullins and Drake’s Marty Richter.

Adams has been a staple on Brian Wardle’s staff and now enters his eighth season at Bradley. During their time in Peoria, the Braves have won two MVC ‘Arch Madness’ titles.

After spending two years at the Valley’s Illinois State, Mullins joined his younger brother Bryan’s staff at SIU. The Mullins brothers are beginning their fourth season in Carbondale.

During Richter’s first four seasons assisting Darian DeVries, the Bulldogs have amassed a record of 95-40 and tied for the Valley’s 2019 regular season championship. Drake played in and won a game in the 2021 NCAA Tournament.

Ohio Valley Coaches

There has been great shake up in the OVC and the only assistant coach on the Silver Waves list is OVC newcomer Preston Laird of Little Rock. Laird begins his fourth season working for one of the OVC’s newest members. Joining Darrell Walker’s staff in 2019, the Trojans have produced one, 20-win season.

MVC/OVC Alumni

Two former Drake coaches, Ali Farokhmanesh and J.R. Blount followed Niko Medved to Colorado State and landed on the Silver Waves list. Farokhmanesh also played at Northern Iowa.

Loyola Chicago has departed for the Atlantic Ten Conference, but two of its assistants were part of the Valley last season. Andrew Morgan and Patrick Wallace were also honored.

Current Gonzaga and former Valparaiso assistant Roger Powell was also noted. While Powell coached for the then Crusaders when they were a part of the Horizon League, we wanted to give him his due!