Why Not Me?
My Passion for Coaching & Basketball
Basketball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was always tagging along with my uncles, who were more like big brothers to me, being 10 and 13 years older. My uncle Shed was a basketball fanatic—if he wasn’t at the gym or the Sports Academy, he was playing at Dufrocq, and I was always there, shooting on a side hoop, soaking in every moment of the game.
One moment that solidified my love for basketball was when I overheard a conversation between my godfather, Lester Roberts, and current assistant coach at Texas Southern University, Shyrone Chatman, then an all-state player who didn’t have many offers. Lester told him, “If you’re good, they’ll find you.” A few weeks later, Shy committed to Memphis State. Seeing that unfold right in front of me stuck with me forever. It was the moment I realized that basketball was more than just a game—it was an opportunity, a way to change your life.
My Coaching Journey and What I’ve Learned
After playing seven full seasons in the NBA, a stint in the G-League, and a season in Germany, I found myself at a crossroads. In 2016, I returned home and started helping my good friend, Brandon White, who had just taken over as head coach and athletic director at a newly rebuilt public school in Baton Rouge. What started as a summer commitment turned into eight years of discovering a new passion within the game—coaching.
I spent eight years as an assistant at Liberty Magnet High School, helping build the program from the ground up. When Liberty re-opened in 2016 (then still named Robert E. Lee), it had no real sports reputation. Being a dedicated magnet school, academic requirements made it difficult to attract basketball players who also met the school's rigorous standards. Despite the challenges, we transformed Liberty from a 6-22 team to a state powerhouse, a state champion, and a nationally ranked program (58th in the country by Max Preps) in 2024. That journey taught me patience, persistence, and the importance of culture-building.
In 2024, I became the Director of Player Development at Baton Rouge Community College before moving to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay as the Director of Personal Development. My experience in high school and collegiate programs has prepared me for the next step—leading a Division I program.
One of the most important lessons I carry with me comes from Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown. When I played for him, the first thing he asked me after I arrived at the arena following a trade from the Chicago Bulls was, “How’s your grandmother?” Every time we talk, he still asks that same question. That moment taught me to meet people where they are and to see them as humans first and players second. That philosophy is now embedded in my approach to coaching.
Why I’m Ready to Be a Division I Head Coach
A great head coach must have the knowledge, passion, and the ability to lead. I’ve played this game at the highest level. I’ve lived it, studied it, and now teach it. My experience as a player and coach gives me a unique ability to see the game from all angles and prepare young men for success on and off the court.
My coaching philosophy is centered around individual development that aligns with the team’s overall goals. Each player is given a roadmap tailored to their strengths and weaknesses, ensuring that we maximize their potential while covering their deficiencies until they become strengths. This approach creates a culture of accountability, discipline, and constant growth.
At Liberty, I was heavily involved in player development, fundraising, recruiting, and culture-building. We raised money and built relationships with businesses to support the program. We recruited academically excelling students who were also high-level basketball players. These experiences prove that I understand every aspect of running a successful program and can do the same at the Division I level.
Why I Will Succeed at the DI Level
A successful Division I head coach must be more than just a strategist—they must be a leader, a mentor, and a motivator. My ability to connect with players comes from experience. I’ve walked the path they aspire to take. I know the sacrifices, the discipline, and the mental fortitude required to reach the highest levels of basketball.
Recruiting at the Division I level requires more than just looking at rankings. I pride myself on being a keen evaluator of talent, understanding that success isn’t just about skill—it’s about character, work ethic, and a player’s environment. I look beyond the stats and scouting reports to find players who fit into a winning culture.
Building a long-term, sustainable program starts with discipline. At Liberty, one of my closest coaching colleagues, Charles Carter, lived by the mantra, “Discipline must rule.” That principle will always be my foundation. My program will have rigorous offseason training, mandated study time, community service, financial literacy education, and personal development programs. The goal is to prepare young men not just for championships but for life beyond basketball.
If an athletic director were to ask me, “Why should we hire you as our head coach?” my answer is simple:
I coach from experience, not ego. I’ve been where these young men want to go. I’ve learned from Hall of Fame mentors and legendary coaches, and their lessons flow through me. Basketball has always been one of the greatest loves of my life, alongside my family and my passion for helping others.
I won’t just bring value to my players—I’ll bring value to every young person I cross paths with on campus. The real question is: Why wouldn’t you hire me as your next head coach?
