Head Coach, T.K. Smith has announced the hiring of Mike Pouncy as Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach. Pouncy joins the Royals for Smith’s innagural season at the helm of the Royals basketball program. Both Pouncy and Smith played collegiately at University of Central Arkansas, which competes in the Southland Conference at the NCAA Division 1 level. The two plan to build upon their chemistry on the court, and transfer it to coaching on the sidelines together.
"Coach Pouncy is a valuable addition to the staff. He’s a close friend of mine, and somebody I trust to help build the program. There is truly no better fit for Ecclesia College and the Men’s Basketball program."
After graduating from Central Arkansas, despite being offered several positions on college basketball staffs throughout the region, Pouncy decided to join the corporate world. However, he stayed in touch with the game by training high school basketball players in the Dallas-Metro area, among them Devin Wyatt, who is ranked as high as the #33 Power Forward in the nation for the class of 2014. Pouncy was formerly ranked in the state of Texas himself while starring at national powerhouse Duncanville High School.
"Coach Pouncy has really shown his loyalty to me personally by choosing to not only leave his current job, but also turning down other coaching offers to join me in Northwest Arkansas. It really shows you something about his character and the type of role-model he will be to our players. Loyalty and trust is a very valuable asset not just to our program, but in life as well."
While Pouncy will have a hand in everything within the program, he will serve as the team’s recruiting coordinator, assist in practice/game strategy, and deal primarily with the guards.
"Coach Pouncy has an incredible ability to connect with people. His personality makes him a great recruiter and a great mentor to our players. On top of this, Mike could flat out play in college. As a former point guard, his knowledge of the game will be valuable not just to our players, but to me as well."
After high school, Pouncy attended Jacksonville College in Jacksonville, TX for two-years before signing with University of Central Arkansas. Despite an injury-plagued career, with three surgeries in three years, Pouncy was a dominant guard in the Southland Conference for the Bears averaging 10.4 points and 4.0 rebounds per game through his career.
Pouncy received his Bachelor’s degree from University of Central Arkansas in 2011.
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