Desmond Balantine has joined the Tiffin University men’s basketball coaching staff.

Balentine will be joining the Tiffin University men’s basketball program as the Head Assistant Coach.

Des played two seasons at the University of Incarnate Word under Dr. Carson Cunningham, where he was voted team captain two years in a row, helping lead the UIW Cardinals on and off the court. He was a part of the only team in school history to make the post-season conference tournament (2020-2021). The team was also active in the community, setting a new program record with 300 hours of community service while also posting amongst national leaders with a team GPA of 3.37. Des would graduate from Incarnate Word with a bachelor’s degrrere in Cultural Studies and a master’s degree in Communications.

Balentine also played two years at Tyler Junior College under Coach Mike Marquis with a record of 50-11 in those two years. He placed third in scoring and first in assists while at TJC, helping lead Tyler Junior College to a Region 14 Championship and making it to the National Junior College Tournament in the 2018 season.

After his playing career, Des would start his coaching career at his alma mater Incarnate Word as a Graduate Assistant. In addition to his assistant coaching responsibilities, Balentine would take on duties of player development, scouting breakdown, and video breakdown.

Des and his fiancé Kirsten Driver are excited about becoming part of the Tiffin University family. 

“I’m ecstatic that Coach Balentine has decided to join our program as our Head Assistant Coach,” said TU Head Coach Tom Church. “He is exactly what we were looking for in a lead assistant, one who is high energy and has an infectious personality.  Des has an incredible IQ for the game, a multitude of connections in the recruiting world, and he will be instrumental in this program taking another step next season.  We are looking forward to Des and his fiance Kirsten becoming part of the Tiffin Community and Dragon Nation.”

https://gotiffindragons.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/releases/20220421excc7k