MARK PHELPS HEAD COACH I THIRD YEAR HOMETOWN: Virginia Beach, Va. COLLEGE: Old Dominion (1996)
EDUCATION Bachelor of Science, Physical Education Old Dominion University, 1996 COACHING EXPERIENCE Head Coach: Drake University, 2008-present Associate Head Coach: Arizona State, 2006-08 Assistant Coach: North Carolina State, 1996-2006 High School Head Coach: Atlantic Shores, 1994-1996 High School Head Coach: Rock Church Academy, 1990-94
WIFE: Alissa CHILDREN: Owen (1)
With passion and a commitment to elevate the Drake basketball program to levels of consistent excellence on and off the court, Mark Phelps enters year three at the helm of the Bulldog men’s basketball program. Under Phelps’ dedicated approach to recruiting and program building, Drake’s incoming recruiting classes for the past two seasons have been ranked the best in the Missouri Valley Conference, pointing the Bulldogs on the road to success. The Bulldogs’ 2009-10 recruiting class was No. 1 in the MVC according to Van Coleman’s Hoopmasters.com. Scouts Inc., in conjunction with ESPN.com, rated Drake’s signees for the 2010-11 class the best in the MVC, as well. Focused on the process of building a program the right way and working toward becoming a better team for today and tomorrow, the results speak for themselves. Phelps’ 31 victories in two years at Drake are the second most wins accumulated by a coach in his first two seasons at the helm of the Bulldogs, trailing only the 32 wins achieved by Forddy Anderson in 1946-48. Drake was the only school in the MVC to rank in the top 12 nationally in three different NCAA team statistics in 2009-10. The Bulldogs ranked No. 4 in turnovers per game (10.1 avg.), 10th in free throw percentage (.757) and 11th in three-point field goals per game (8.6 avg.). Drake also posted an all time school record low turnover total (332) during the 2009-10 season. Phelps’ teams at Drake also have been known for their shooting proficiency. The Bulldogs made 284 three-point baskets in 2009-10, which was the second highest total in school history. Drake’s .757 free throw percentage last year ranked third on the school’s all time single-season free throw percentage list. In his first year as head coach at Drake, Coach Phelps led the Bulldogs to a 17-16 record and their second consecutive post-season tournament in 2009 (CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament), marking the first time the Drake basketball program had advanced to post-season play in two consecutive seasons since 1970-71. Under Phelps, Drake has played a traditionally strong schedule; over the past two seasons the Bulldogs scheduled 28 games against teams that advanced to postseason play. Phelps was named the 25th men’s head basketball coach at Drake on April 21, 2008 after serving as associate head coach at Arizona State from 200608. “Mark’s extensive experience as an assistant in the Pac-10 and the ACC, coupled with his commitment to the holistic development of young men, made him the ideal candidate to continue the established success of the Drake Bulldogs,” said Drake Athletics Director Sandy Hatfield Clubb. “Mark was touted as one of the top assistant coaches in college basketball. His character and his demonstrated passion for the game are just two of the many outstanding qualities that attracted us to him. Coach Mark Phelps is a perfect fit for Drake University.” “I consider it an honor and privilege to be the head coach at Drake University,” said Phelps. “President Maxwell (Drake’s David) has fostered a true family environment where the “Drake experience” is a special one for students, faculty, staff and the entire Drake community. I have tremendous respect and great appreciation for Sandy Hatfield Clubb and look forward
COACHING RECORD Year 2008-09 2009-10 TOTAL
OVERALL W L 17 16 14 19 31 35
MVC W L 7 11 7 11 14 22
to working together with her and the entire athletic department to continue the pursuit of excellence for Drake basketball. I could not be more excited about this opportunity.” Phelps, 44, has been a basketball coach for 21 seasons, including 14 years on the collegiate level after a highly successful high school coaching career. The Virginia Beach, Va. native had served on the coaching staff at North Carolina State under head coach Herb Sendek from 1996-2006 before joining Sendek at Arizona State in 2006. “I am grateful for the 12 years Coach Mark Phelps invested on our staff at both NC State and Arizona State and most certainly recognize the wonderful impact he made,” said Sendek. “I congratulate Mark, as he will be the consummate CEO for the Drake men’s basketball program. He will represent the university as a perfect gentleman and at the same time lead the basketball program with a true competitive spirit.” Phelps was part of Sendek’s staff that led North Carolina State to a 53-39 (.576) record in the Atlantic Coast Conference regular season and tournament play in the final five seasons in Raleigh, N.C. The Wolfpack tied for the second most wins in the ACC from 2001 to 2006, and was one of only two ACC programs (Duke) to advance to the NCAA Tournament each of those five seasons. Phelps joined the North Carolina State staff in 1996, serving as director of basketball operations for four years before being promoted to assistant coach in 2000. In 2005 he was named recruiting coordinator and director of scouting with the Wolfpack while continuing as an assistant coach. Prior to joining the college ranks, Phelps, a 1996 Old Dominion University graduate, was very familiar with outstanding basketball programs, having had a highly successful tenure as a high school head coach. Phelps coached his way to a 148-53 (.736 winning percentage) overall record during his six years directing a pair of Virginia independent high school teams. Phelps spent two seasons (1994-96) at Atlantic Shores Christian High School in Chesapeake, Va., where his teams compiled a 44-12 record. His 1996 squad finished 20-3 and set school marks for winning percentage (.870) and fewest losses. Prior to his tenure at Atlantic Shores, Phelps coached four years (1990-94) at Rock Church Academy and posted a 104-41 record. His teams played in the Metro Conference, where he was twice named Coach of the Year as the Eagles won three straight conference championships. Each of his last five prep teams (three at Rock Church, two at Atlantic Shores) advanced to the Virginia Independent School State Tournament. Four times he coached teams to the quarterfinals of the state tournament and twice to the state semifinals. He also served as athletics director at both high schools. Phelps started his coaching career as Rock Church’s junior varsity coach during the 1989-90 season. Mark and his wife, Alissa, have a son Owen, who was born on May 2, 2009, and the couple is expecting their second child in November.
MIKE GIBSON ASSISTANT COACH I THIRD YEAR HOMETOWN: Cumberland, R.I. COLLEGE: Carnegie Mellon (2005)
Mike Gibson joined the Drake coaching staff on May 19, 2008, after spending the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons on the Arizona State staff where current Drake head coach Mark Phelps had been the associate head coach under Herb Sendek. Gibson will be going into his third season as an assistant coach for Drake University. “In working with Mike the past four years, I continue to be impressed by his intelligence, organization and work ethic,” said Phelps. “His high academic achievements as a college student-athlete certainly reflect these qualities. His ability to identify and recruit student-athletes nationally that fit the Drake way has been a tremendous asset to our coaching staff and its recruiting efforts. Mike has made a significant contribution in helping our staff sign two consecutive top-ranked recruiting classes in the MVC (according to Hoopmasters and ESPN). Mike’s work ethic and attention to detail has also enabled him to do a tremendous job when scouting opponents during the season and helping with day to day program duties throughout the year.” “It has been an honor to work with Coach Phelps and the rest of the coaching staff here at Drake University,” said Gibson. “In working with Mark, I have been impressed by his knowledge of the game and his ability to oversee all facets of a basketball program. He pushes our coaching staff to be the best recruiters and coaches we can possibly be and the experience has been invaluable. The future of Drake Basketball is extremely bright under the leadership of Coach Phelps.” Gibson joined Herb Sendek’s coaching staff at Arizona State in the summer of 2006 as Coordinator of Basketball Technology and was promoted in the summer of 2007 to Director of Basketball Operations. Prior to working for Coach Sendek at Arizona State, Gibson worked on Tom Izzo’s staff at Michigan State for the 2005-2006 season as a Graduate Assistant. Gibson graduated with a 3.97 grade-point average (summa cum laude) from Carnegie Mellon University (Herb Sendek’s alma mater) in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 2005, with a degree in business administration. At Carnegie Mellon, Gibson earned a spot on the Dean’s High Honor List every semester, while playing four years for the men’s basketball team, the last of which he served as team captain. At Carnegie Mellon, he was part of five national academic honor societies (National Dean’s List, Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honor Society, Mortar Board Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars). He also was on the NABC Academic Honor Roll. While in college, Gibson worked at several basketball camps including Five-Star, Michigan State, North Carolina State, Louisville, Northwestern, Dayton and Providence.
JUSTIN OHL ASSISTANT COACH I SEVENTH YEAR HOMETOWN: Mason City, Iowa COLLEGE: Drake (2001)
Justin Ohl returns to Drake University for his 14th season, this year marking his seventh season as an assistant coach. He is a four year letter winner for the Bulldogs and also served as a graduate assistant from 2002-2004. He was promoted to assistant coach by Dr. Tom Davis in 2004 and was retained by current Drake head coach Mark Phelps in April of 2008. “Justin understands why Drake University and Drake basketball are special, having been a student athlete and coach here. Justin has helped our staff sign two-consecutive top-ranked recruiting classes in the MVC (according to Hoopmasters and ESPN).” said Phelps. “I am impressed with his knowledge, integrity, passion and commitment to the student-athlete and natural talent as a teacher, coach and recruiter. He embodies those qualities we search for as we recruit young men to Drake,” added Phelps. “I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with Coach Phelps. His character, desire and work ethic for Drake University and our program are evident. He is in constant pursuit of excellence and it carries over to our players and our coaching staff. His passion for our student-athletes is demonstrated on a daily basis, both in the classroom and on the basketball court.” Ohl works closely in the scouting of Drake’s opponents, recruiting, and skill instruction. Ohl also serves as a liaison between the basketball program and academic support services. In addition, Justin is the director of Bulldog Basketball Camps. Justin received his bachelor’s degree in marketing in 2001. He also is a certified high school business teacher. He earned a master’s degree in public administration in 2006. The Mason City, Iowa native is a graduate of Newman Catholic high school and received many awards in basketball as well as golf. Justin and his wife, Haley, have a daughter, Jordyn, who was born Oct. 13.
KAREEM RICHARDSON ASSISTANT COACH I THIRD YEAR HOMETOWN: Rantoul, Ill. COLLEGE: Evansville (1997)
Kareem Richardson was named assistant coach at Drake University on May 19, 2008 after spending the previous season as the top assistant with the UMKC men’s basketball program. Richardson is no stranger to the Missouri Valley Conference, having served as an assistant coach at Evansville from 2003-07, as well as Indiana State (1999-2002). “Kareem has extensive experience as a player and a coach in the Missouri Valley Conference,” said Drake head coach Mark Phelps. “He also demonstrated a true commitment to academic excellence as a student at the University of Evansville. Richardson has been ranked as one of the top 25 Mid-Major assistants in college basketball according to the basketball website www.collegeinsider.com. The list was compiled to honor those assistants who have done great work throughout their careers and bring something special to the staff. Richardson was ranked No. 20. In compiling the list, several factors were weighed, including the assistant’s longevity with the program, overall program success while on staff, total years as an assistant, head coaching experience, recruiting, reputation among peers, and future potential. In his first year as assistant coach at Drake, Richardson helped lead the Bulldogs to post-season play during the 2008-09 season, in the inaugural CollegeInsider.com Tournament. “Kareem’s values are of the highest level and his passion and commitment to the total welfare of the student-athlete, combined with his knowledge of the game of basketball, make him a valuable member of our coaching staff,” added Phelps. “It has been a great opportunity to work under Coach Phelps,” said Richardson. “He brings a wealth of knowledge to the Drake University basketball program. I have tremendous faith that Coach Phelps will continue to build upon a championship caliber program.” Prior to working at UMKC, Richardson had served as an assistant at his alma mater, the University of Evansville, from 2003-07. While in Evansville, Richardson served as the recruiting coordinator for the Purple Aces. During his four years on the sidelines, three of his recruits were named to the Missouri Valley Conference all-freshman team and one was selected to the all-newcomer squad. Richardson’s coaching career began at the University of Indianapolis from 1997-99. Richardson then joined the Missouri Valley Conference coaching ranks in 1999 at Indiana State University. In 2000, he helped the Sycamores reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the Larry Bird era in the late 1970s. A year later in 2001, Indiana State topped No. 4 seed Oklahoma to advance to the second round of the NCAAs. Following his three-year stint at Indiana State, he coached one season (2002-03) at Wright State before returning to Evansville. As a player, Richardson played in an NCAA Tournament as a freshman at East Carolina University. He then transferred to Evansville in 1995 and quickly established himself as the Purple Aces’ top point guard. Richardson, who was a team captain, was selected to the Missouri Valley Conference all-academic team in both 1996 and 1997. In 1996, he was also a member of the MVC all-underrated team. Richardson graduated from Evansville with a degree in telecommunication in 1997 and received his MBA from the University of Indianapolis in 1999. He and his wife, Greta, have three children, Jasmiyn, Amari and Andre.