Northwestern Oklahoma State head men’s basketball coach Shawn Dirden has finalized his coaching staff for the upcoming 2018-19 season.
Jordan Franz, now in his fourth season at Northwestern, has been promoted to Associate Head Coach following the Rangers’ most successful campaign in the school’s NCAA history.
“I am happy to announce that I have named Jordan Franz Associate Head Coach,” said Dirden. “I have known Jordan his entire life. I’ve taken close notice to his drive and love for the players, the game and Northwestern Oklahoma State University. I have zero doubt that Jordan has what it takes to become a fantastic head coach in the future.”
Franz came to Alva in 2015 following a four-year career at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where he saw action in 89 games for the Bulldogs and was a two-time NABC Academic All-American.
“I’m extremely thankful to coach Dirden for this opportunity,” said Franz. “I’m looking forward to helping Northwestern continue to be a successful program both on and off the court.”
Dirden points to Franz’s work ethic as one of the key pieces to the Rangers’ recent accomplishments, as the team finished second in the Great American Conference a year ago.
“As a program we took a solid step forward last season, and Jordan’s hard work, commitment and ability to cultivate strong relationships with our players played a major role.”
The Rangers also bolstered their staff with the addition of new assistant coach Martin Pavicic, a 2017 Northwestern graduate who returns to Alva following a stint in Charlotte, N.C.
“Coach Pavicic is a young coach on the rise” Dirden said. “I’m beyond excited to bring Martin back into the Ranger family. He has great enthusiasm for helping young people work towards reaching their goals in life and I know he’s going to work hard for our student-athletes. By all accounts, Martin is a tireless worker and recruiter, and I know he’ll fit well on our coaching staff.”
Since graduating from Northwestern Pavicic worked at the Combine Academy of Charlotte where he was an assistant post-grad basketball coach, working with players to take their game to the next level. He previously served as the Rangers’ student manager from 2015-2017 after a stint at Otero Junior College in the same role.
“I am honored and excited to be coming back to my alma mater to join Coach Dirden’s staff” said Pavicic. “The winning culture that he’s established here at NWOSU is impressive, and I’m looking forward to helping grow that tradition”.
At Combine Academy, Pavicic worked tirelessly on recruiting and scouting, as well as in player development with the guards. His guidance helped four players at Div. I schools and 10 players in Div. II.
“It is an exciting opportunity for Martin to get to return to Northwestern Oklahoma State University where he completed his undergraduate degree” added Dirden.
Additionally, coach Oliver Willis will stay on as a volunteer assistant this year. Willis is now in his second season with the Rangers following a successful playing career at SWOSU under head coach Bob Battisti from 2011-2016.
