Arkansas State men鈥檚 basketball expands its support staff by adding six new members ahead of the 2026-27 season. Head coach Ryan Pannone introduced these staffers, highlighting their extensive backgrounds in basketball operations, analytics, and player development. Notable hires include Maiya Rawlinson as director of basketball operations and Riley Arnold as director of analytics, both bringing valuable experience from previous roles at other universities. Pannone emphasized the importance of these additions to enhance the program's organization and focus on data-driven player development.

By the Numbers
  • Maiya Rawlinson previously spent three seasons as director of basketball operations at South Alabama.
  • Riley Arnold has four years of experience as a student manager at Alabama, assisting with scouting and analytics.
State of Play
  • New staff members aim to improve organizational leadership within the program.
  • The hires reflect a trend toward data-driven approaches in player development.
What's Next

As the new season approaches, the integration of these staff members is expected to enhance the team's operational effectiveness and performance metrics. The emphasis on analytics may lead to improved player outcomes and strategic advantages during games.

Bottom Line

The infusion of fresh talent into Arkansas State's basketball support staff signals a strategic move towards modernization and efficiency, which could significantly impact the team's competitiveness in the upcoming season and beyond.