JR Blount has been promoted to assistant men’s basketball coach at Drake University, head coach Ray Giacoletti announced. Blount has served as the program’s director of basketball operations the previous two seasons.
“JR is a guy that has recruiting experience and tremendous energy,” Giacoletti said. “We’re thrilled to give him this opportunity and get him back on the road recruiting with a greater role in our program. We’re fortunate to have someone who knows the program inside and out, can jump right in and knows what we’re looking for on the court and in recruiting.”
Blount joined head coach Ray Giacoletti’s staff in 2014 following three successful seasons at Saint Leo University in Lakeland, Fla., where he was elevated to associate head coach for the 2013-14 season after two years as an assistant. As a student-athlete, Blount was a team captain and MVP at current Missouri Valley Conference member Loyola.
While at Saint Leo, the Lions advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament in each of his three seasons on staff and won the program’s first conference championship in 2012-13. He was also part of a NCAA Division III National Championship in 2009-10 as an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Prior to joining the staff at Saint Leo, Blount played professionally for a season with the Leicester Riders of the British Basketball League. He led the team to the semifinals of the league championship, was ranked fourth in scoring and second in assists to earn All-Star and team MVP honors before returning to the sidelines.
Collegiately, Blount had a tremendous career at Loyola from 2005-09. He was the Ramblers’ team captain during his final three seasons and the squad’s MVP in 2008 and 2009. He finished his career ranked ninth in points and 10th in assists at Loyola and was the school’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2008 and 2009.
Upon graduating from Loyola with a degree in sociology and psychology Blount began his coaching career during the 2009-10 season at UW-Stevens Point. That season saw the program win a Division III national title while ranking in the top 10 nationally in both team offense and defense.
A native of Milwaukee, Wis., Blount was a standout high school player at Dominican High School where he earned all-state honors in 2004 and 2005 and was named the Wisconsin Sports Player of the Year in 2005.
Blount fills the staff vacancy created by Todd Townsend’s resignation to pursue an opportunity in Milwaukee, Wis.
“We wish Todd and his family the best of luck and thank him for everything he’s done for this program,” Giacoletti added. “The City of Milwaukee is home for his wife and where he played in college at Marquette, so it was a great opportunity for him and his family.”
http://godrakebulldogs.com/news/2016/5/6/blount-promoted-to-assistant-mens-basketball-coach.aspx
Photo Courtesy Drake Athletics
