Brandon McGruder has been selected as head men’s basketball coach at Mayville State University. He has served in the position in an interim capacity since November of 2022. He will continue to do so until July 1 when his new contract goes into effect.
With McGruder at the helm during the 2022-23 season, the Mayville State men’s basketball team became the North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) conference champions with a record of 12-2 in the conference and a 25-6 win-loss record overall. The Comets won the conference tournament, which gave them an automatic bid into national tournament play. Brandon McGruder was named the NSAA Coach of the Year for 2022-23.
“I am grateful for this amazing opportunity,” said Coach McGruder. “It’s an honor to continue to coach this program and represent Mayville State and the community. I look forward to building on the success of the recent years.”
A native of Omaha, Neb., Brandon McGruder came to Mayville State University after serving the previous six years as head assistant coach for the Central Arizona College men’s basketball program. His duties included coordination of recruiting, player development, fundraising, community outreach, and academic affairs.
Coach “Mac” helped the Vaqueros reach the ACCAC semi-finals in his first two seasons as an assistant. In the 2021-22 season, the Vaqueros earned their highest seed in the ACCAC tournament since 2015.
Acting as the recruiting coordinator McGruder helped recruit and coach one NJCAA All-American, six All-Conference players, five NCAA Division 1 signees, four NCAA Division 2 signees and numerous others who went on to play at four-year universities. Along with on-the-court success, McGruder has coached three NJCAA Academic All-Americans during his tenure.
Prior to coaching at Central Arizona College, McGruder was assistant coach at Peru State College for two years and was an assistant coach at Central High School in Phoenix, Ariz. for one year. He played collegiately at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Iowa Western Community College, and Southeast Community College. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts with an emphasis in psychology and journalism from Peru State College.
“We are delighted to continue our association with Coach McGruder,” said Mayville State University Athletic Director Jay DeCann. “He has great experience as a coach and player of the game of basketball and did an outstanding job of coaching the Comets during his time as interim coach. We look forward to seeing more good things from Comets Men’s Basketball.”
https://mayvillestate.edu/about-msu/news/brandon-mcgruder-named-head-mens-basketball-coach/
