Jared Drake joined the UAFS Men's Basketball coaching staff in July of 2023, following head Coach Zane Gibson from Western New Mexico.
Drake coached with Gibson for one season at WNMU, helping guide the Mustangs to a 17-11 record, the program's first winning season in 16 years. The Mustangs also won 11 Lone Star Conference games, the most in program history.
"I am very excited to have Coach Drake make the move with me from Western New Mexico to UAFS," Gibson said. "Coach Drake does a tremendous job developing relationships with the guys. He is a dynamic skill developer having worked with current and future NBA players and brings a great deal of knowledge to our staff. We welcome Coach Drake to Fort Smith and can't wait for him to be with our young men when they return in August."
Prior to WNMU, Drake was the head coach at NJCAA Southeastern Illinois College for two seasons and also had coaching stops at Riley High School, Philander Smith College (AR) and Evansville Central High School.
Before his coaching career, Drake played at Robert Morris College in Chicago. After a two-year stay there, Drake transferred his eligibility to Southern University of New Orleans (La.) where he was awarded "Newcomer of the Year," along with being ranked in the top-five in the nation in three-point shooting percentage and free throw shooting percentage.
After graduation, Drake continued his playing career on the professional level for three developmental league teams in the U. S. and in the European League.
Drake has received three degrees, an Associate's in Health and Fitness Exercise Science (Robert Morris), a Bachelor of Applied Science in Management Information Systems (Southern University) and a Master of Science in Recreation and Sports Sciences, Coaching Education (Ohio University).
