Bubba Meyer has been promoted to associate head coach of the St. Mary’s Men’s Basketball program, announced by Director of Athletics Rob Coleman on Monday.
“Bubba has made a positive impact on our basketball program, both on and off the court over the past 19 years,” said Coleman. “He’s done a great job of developing relationships with both our current players and potential recruits and continues to be a valuable asset with all respects to our team.”
“I am humbled and honored that President Tom Mengler and Director of Athletics Robert Coleman have given me this incredible opportunity,” said Meyer. “I was born into this program in 1978, the St. Mary’s Basketball program is like a fourth sibling to me. My family and I look forward to continuing to lead these young men to be stewards of the Men’s Basketball program and St. Mary’s University.”
Meyer moved to the sideline upon completion of his playing career – where he was the starting point-guard all four years and he helped lead his team to two National Tournament appearances, including the Rattlers’ first trip to the NCAA Division II National Tournament in 2000-01. Meyer has been a part of some of the greatest moments in Rattler Basketball history as a player and a coach.
“I am pleased to see the University recognize an individual that has displayed such loyalty and commitment to the Men’s Basketball program’s success over the years, attributes that are rare to find in today’s athletic environment,” said St. Mary’s Head Men’s Basketball Coach Jim Zeleznak. “The promotion of Coach Meyer to Associate Head Coach is certainly long overdue, but I am proud to have him as an integral part of the program, the department, and the University.” Coach Meyer has been instrumental in the success of the Men’s Basketball program over his 19 years on the bench. He was part of four-straight National Tournament appearances – including the team’s first-ever Sweet 16 appearance in 2013; winning the Heartland Conference Tournament three of four years in 2012, 2013 and 2015 and he’s seen four teams in his coaching tenure reach the 20-win plateau.
“He has proven himself as a coach and recruiter during his career and he will be counted on more than ever during the upcoming season,” continued Coleman. “He believes in our vision for the program, has excellent values, and loves being part of St. Mary’s University.
He has helped the Rattlers earn All-Heartland Conference honors 36 times over the last 18 years, while two have earned Heartland Player of the Year honors, three have earned Defensive Player of the Year, six have picked up Freshman of the Year and three have earned Newcomer of the Year. In the Rattlers’ first year in the Lone Star Conference, Meyer saw two All-Conference selections in Kobe Magee and Caleb Jordan.
Meyer has been part of two Heartland Conference Coaching Staffs of the Year in 2004-05 when the Rattlers finished 23-7, winning the Heartland Conference Championship and earning an NCAA Regional berth and again in 2014-15, finishing 20-10 as regular season and tournament champions, earning the last of four straight NCAA Regional berths.
Meyer is a 2001 graduate of St. Mary’s University with a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science. He graduated with a master’s degree in education leadership from St. Mary’s in 2004.
