CSU Bakersfield men’s basketball head coach Rod Barnes has announced that director of basketball operations, JD Pollock, has been promoted to men’s basketball assistant coach. Pollock is in his third season with the ‘Runners since joining the staff in 2014.
“JD has been with us for two years and understands what we are trying develop and improve within our program. I know that this promotion will keep the continuity growing within our staff and players,” Barnes said. “Our program encourages each assistant coach to learn all areas of the job in order to prepare them to one day become a head coach themselves.”
Pollock joined the CSUB staff with three years of coaching experience from Central Arizona Community College where he served as both an assistant coach from 2011-2013 and head coach from 2013-14. During his time at Central Arizona the Vaqueros posted a 64-31 record, including an appearance in the Elite Eight of the NJCAA Tournament in 2013.
“I cannot thank Coach Barnes and athletic director Ziggy Siegfried enough for this opportunity,” Pollock said. “The program is at an all-time high since making it to the NCAA Tournament last season, there is no better time to take on new role with more responsibilities and help grow CSUB men’s basketball.”
Pollock started his career playing at NAIA Berry College in Rome, Ga., before transferring to Division 1 Kennesaw State for his junior and senior seasons where he was among the leaders in the Atlantic Sun Conference in steals and assist-to-turnover ratio while also being named ‘Defensive Player of the Year.’
Shortly after graduating with his Bachelor’s degree, Pollock started his coaching career at TCU, where he spent two years as a graduate assistant under head coach Jim Christian while earning his Master’s Degree in Liberal Arts.
Pollock’s duties will include coaching on the floor, scouting and recruiting student-athletes to CSUB. A search for his replacement as director of operations is currently underway.
Pollock says this situation allows him to coach with veteran leadership and mentors within college basketball.
“I have learned a tremendous amount from Coach Barnes in my two years here and with veteran coaches like Benjy Taylor and Jeff Conarroe I am surrounded by a great support system,” he said. “This is a truly special opportunity. My wife Irene and I could not be more excited. Faith and hard work can provide amazing things.”
