Marquette men's basketball has appointed Jeremy Ballard as its new assistant coach, following the departures of two previous assistants. Ballard, formerly the head coach at Florida International University (FIU), is recognized as the winningest coach in the school's history, achieving over 100 career wins. During his tenure at FIU, he led the team to significant successes, including a 20-win season and their first postseason appearance in over 20 years. Head coach Shaka Smart expressed confidence in Ballard's abilities, emphasizing his prior successful collaboration at VCU and his positive impact on player development.

By the Numbers
  • Ballard achieved 100 career victories at FIU, making him the winningest coach in school history.
  • Under Ballard, FIU led the nation in steals-per-game (10.6) and turnover margin (5.6) during one of his seasons.
State of Play
  • Ballard replaces departing assistants Nevada Smith and DeAndre Haynes, who contributed significantly to the program.
  • This hiring aims to enhance Marquette's coaching staff amidst a transition period.
What's Next

Ballard will look to implement his coaching strategies at Marquette, focusing on building a championship-caliber program. His experience at VCU and FIU will be crucial in shaping the team's performance. The upcoming season will highlight whether Ballard can replicate his past successes in this new role.

Bottom Line

Jeremy Ballard's appointment is viewed as a strategic move to bolster Marquette's coaching lineup. With a track record of developing players and achieving solid results, he brings valuable experience to the Golden Eagles. His success at FIU sets high expectations for his contribution to building a winning culture at Marquette.