Story Courtesy: Ed Holdaway, IU Indy Athletics
The IU Indianapolis Athletics Department and head men’s basketball coach Ben Howlett announced the additions of three Indiana-natives to round out his staff ahead of the 2025-26 season. Howlett added John Peckinpaugh and Devin Heath-Granger as assistant coaches and Bruce Fields as the program’s director of operations.
“I’m really excited to bring all three of these guys on board. They all know the state of Indiana really well and are really well known and respected throughout the state,” Howlett said. “They’re committed to helping build the program and doing things the right way.
“I like how the staff has come together and I think we’re all going to really enjoy working together for a common goal.”
Peckinpaugh, a Muncie-native, spent the past four seasons as head coach at Kokomo High School. He led Kokomo to an IHSAA Class 4A Final Four appearance in 2022 and a state runner-up finish in 2023. He later coached the 2024 Indiana All-Star Team, keyed by two-time Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year Flory Bidunga. Peckinpaugh previously coached at Noblesville High School after previous head coaching stops at Indiana Tech and Wheeling Jesuit. At Indiana Tech, his time was highlighted by a 23-win season and NAIA Tournament berth in 2016. Peckinpaugh played collegiately at Purdue Fort Wayne (previously IPFW) and had two stints on the Fort Wayne staff. He played in 108 games for the Mastodons, making 61 career starts.
“I’m incredibly excited to join Coach Howlett’s staff here at IU Indy. I’ve followed his from afar ever since I left Wheeling Jesuit and have always had a deep respect for the way he runs his program. What he’s built speaks for itself, and I truly believe in his vision and the culture he creates,” Peckinpaugh said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of it and can’t wait to get to work.”
Heath-Granger, an Indianapolis-native, spent last season at the University of Indianapolis on Scott Heady’s staff, helping the Greyhounds to a 15-13 campaign. He has previous coaching stops at Fairmont State, where he elevated to Associate Head Coach for his final two seasons, and at Marian University as Director of Operations. As a player, Heath-Granger was a four-year starter at Goshen College, finishing as the program’s all-time leader in assists and ranking third all-time in steals. He totaled more than 1,000 points in his collegiate career and finished as an All-Crossroads League honoree.
“My family and I are super excited and grateful to be here at IU Indy. Coach Howlett is one of the most successful coaches in the country and I can’t wait to continue to learn from him,” Heath-Granger said. “Basketball is everything here in Indiana and I think this state is going to love the system and the way we play.”
Fields, a Mooresville-native, spent the past five seasons as head coach at Judson (Ill.) University. His time with the Eagles was highlighted by a 15-15 regular season in 2021-22, marking the program’s best record in a decade. He was previously an assistant for two seasons at Judson and had previous stops at Trinity International University and Olive Harvey College. Fields played collegiately at Gardner-Webb University, amassing over 1,000 points, 750 rebounds and 250 assists in his playing career. He then played professionally for nearly a decade in Denmark, Switzerland, France and Austria, including winning an Austrian League National Championship in 2009.
“I am extremely grateful to Coach Howlett for this opportunity and am honored to join the IU Indy staff under his leadership,” Fields said. “It is exciting to be part of a team that brings such an impressive pace to the game; I know our fans will love it!”
