Following up on a story that HoopDirt.com first reported back on 7/18 (North Dakota Dirt)…
University of North Dakota men’s basketball coach Brian Jones rounded out his staff on Wednesday by naming Nate Kaeding as his director of basketball operations for the 2018-19 season.
Kaeding spent the last seven seasons on Chris Johnson’s staff as an assistant coach at the University of Sioux Falls, including the past four as the Cougars’ associate head coach. Kaeding worked closely with the team’s guards and also served as the recruiting, scouting, academic and player development coordinator for the Division II program.
This past season, he helped lead the University of Sioux Falls to a 20-10 record, which was a program high for their D2 era. He was also the lead recruiter for 2017-18 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Newcomer of the Year and 1st Team All-NSIC performer, Trevon Evans as well as 2017-18 2nd Team All-NSIC performer, Drew Guebert.
“Nate has an infectious attitude and tremendous work ethic,” Jones said. “He’ll be a great addition to our staff and we’re excited to get him on board. He brings an impressive background that will impact our program on many different levels.
“I’m also excited about our staff dynamic as a whole. I’m grateful to both Steve (Grabowski) and Craig (Heatherly) for their loyalty and daily work ethic to perfect their craft and thrilled to pare them with our recent hires in Dani (Mihailovic) and Nate.”
Prior to his stint in Sioux Falls, Kaeding spent four seasons as an assistant coach at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU). During his tenure there, he was part of the 2008-09 team that set a program record for victories and won the NSIC Conference Championship, NCAA Central Region Championship, and qualified for the NCAA D2 Elite Eight. He also helped lead the Mustangs to a runner-up finish in the 2010 NSIC tournament. In his time in Marshall, Kaeding tutored their post players, including 2008-09 NABC All-American Ross Demasi and multiple All-NSIC performer, Scott Roehl. Kaeding obtained his Master’s from SMSU in Business Administration in 2009.
“It is hard to put into words how elated I am to begin this new journey. I am truly thankful and appreciative to Coach Jones for providing me this tremendous opportunity to join his staff,” Kaeding said. “As a North Dakota native, I have witnessed the successes of this program and understand the passion that UND students, fans, and supporters have for this great institution.
“Coming off the recent 2017 NCAA tournament bid and entering such a well respected conference as The Summit League, there is much excitement and anticipation around our upcoming 2018-19 season. I would be remiss if I did not take the time to thank Coach Johnson and everybody I encountered at the University of Sioux Falls who made my experience over the last seven years there extremely special and memorable.”
The Fargo native was a three-year letterwinner for the University of Mary and served as the team captain during his senior season.
https://fightinghawks.com/news/2018/7/25/kaeding-hired-to-fill-mens-basketball-operations-role.aspx
