Head Coach Mark Phelps
Phelps was part of Sendek’s staff that led North Carolina State to a 5339 (.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 2001-2002 through the 20052006 season. Phelps joined the North Carolina State staff in 1996, serving as director of basketball operations before becoming assistant coach in 2000. He was promoted to recruiting coordinator, director of scouting and assistant coach with the Wolfpack in 2005. The 1996 Old Dominion graduate joined the North Carolina State program after a highly successful tenure as a high school head coach. Phelps is extremely familiar with successful basketball programs, having 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 (199596) 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 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 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 and his wife, Alissa, have a son, Owen, who was born on May 2, 2009.
“The most important part of our program is the people. And the most important people in our program are the players.” -Mark Phelps
“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. Mark 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.”
Arizona State head coach Herb Sendek
2009-10 Drake Basketball | 37 | www.godrakebulldogs.com