Following up on a story that HoopDirt.com first reported back on 3/13 (DAILY DIRT)…
Point University proudly announces that Jake Deer has been hired as its new Head Men’s Basketball Coach, effective immediately. Deer recently completed his fifth season (2014-19) as Associate Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University of Texas at Tyler.
Point University Athletic Director Alan Wilson commented, “Coach Deer brings with him invaluable experience at all levels of play and will implement the University’s mission of equipping Christian leaders throughout his program. I am confident that he will move our program in a positive manner and look forward to watching him and the men’s program excel in all facets of the game.”
Prior to his years at UT-Tyler, Deer served for one season (2013-14) as Associate Head Coach for Francis Marion University, an NCAA Division II program in South Carolina, with duties that included designing and implementing player development; in-game coaching; game-day promotions and helping to promote and run the team’s basketball camps. The Patriots averaged 76 points per game, shot 36% from beyond the three-point arc and posted an 8-3 home record.
Prior to his time at Francis Marion, Deer served as head coach at Johnson University in Florida (formerly Florida Christian College) from 2007 to 2013, and garnered National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division II South Region Coach of the Year honors in 2013. Deer led the Suns to a school record 26 victories and its highest NCCAA national ranking ever (#2); and the 2013 NCCAA Division II Final Four. Johnson University won NCCAA Division II South Region regular-season championships in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Deer’s men’s basketball program graduated 90% of its players who completed four years of eligibility.
Coach Deer also served as Johnson University’s Executive Director of Admissions from 2008 to 2011, helping Johnson’s enrollment increase by 65% in three years.
Deer graduated from Southport High School in Indianapolis, Indiana in June, 2000, and attended the University of Southern Indiana for one year before transferring to Florida Christian College. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Christian Leadership from Florida Christian College in 2004 and completed his Masters of Arts degree in College Athletic Administration from Coker College (S.C.) in the spring of 2015.
“I am excited to get started here at Point University,” commented Coach Deer. “The men’s basketball program has a rich tradition, and I look forward to rebuilding that tradition beginning immediately.”
Coach Deer enumerated his highest priorities, saying, “The first thing that our guys will learn is that I am a coach that will love them hard and coach them hard. Second, our guys will learn that I will create an extremely intense/ competitive environment and I know they will be excited to meet the challenges that lie ahead. We just need to get to work! I will not talk about winning games, winning conference championships, etc…We just need to work! We need to get to work in the classroom, in the weight room, on the recruiting trail, and changing our program habits.”
“I look forward to the unique learning environment that Point University provides,” said Deer. “With the emphasis on Scripture, the ability to spend the time to disciple each young man, in addition to the quality education, I am confident that we can produce alumni that will make an impact in our world!”
