San Diego men鈥檚 basketball head coach JR Blount has announced the hiring of four key support staff members: Josh Calbert (Recruiting Coordinator), Jawaun Newton (Director of Player Development), Patrick Gallagher (Video Coordinator), and Jackson Carter (Director of Operations). Calbert, a noted recruiter, previously assisted at Pepperdine and had success at Arkansas-Little Rock. Newton joins after a successful stint at Iowa State, contributing to their standout NCAA performances. Gallagher returns for his fourth season, tasked with player development and video analysis, while Carter comes from Iowa State鈥檚 management team, bringing valuable experience.

By the Numbers
  • Calbert helped lead Pepperdine to a WCC Tournament semifinal appearance in 2024.
  • Newton was part of an Iowa State team that went from unranked to No. 2 in the AP Poll during the 2025-26 season.
  • Gallagher was recognized as one of the 鈥淭op-50 NXT Up in Men鈥檚 Support Staff鈥� in 2024.
Yes, But

The success of the new hires relies heavily on integration into the existing team culture and effective collaboration with the coaching strategies already in place.

State of Play
  • Team dynamics are evolving with the addition of new staff members who bring diverse experiences.
  • Blount is focused on creating a cohesive environment that emphasizes both player development and recruitment.
What's Next

The support staff will face the immediate challenge of preparing for the upcoming season, aiming to enhance recruiting efforts and player performance, with expectations for improved team rankings.

Bottom Line

With fresh talent in critical support roles, San Diego basketball is poised to enhance its competitive edge, with a strong emphasis on player development and recruitment strategies that leverage extensive regional ties.