Colorado State University Pueblo men’s basketball head coach Zach Ruebesam has announced the hiring of Pueblo, Colo., native Mike Ranson as an assistant coach for the ThunderWolves program.
“Coach Ranson is a home run hire for CSU Pueblo Men’s Basketball and a meaningful addition for our entire community. He’s a rising star in this profession — a tireless recruiter, a high-level teacher, and someone who pours into players every single day. His ability to connect is what truly sets him apart — guys trust him, and they know he’s all-in,” Ruebesam said. “The Ranson name carries deep significance in Pueblo. His father, Brad, is one of the all-time greats in Pack Basketball history, and the Ranson family has been instrumental in shaping the basketball scene here. Coach Ranson has played and coached in the RMAC — he knows this league inside and out. He’s a self-made coach who has climbed the ladder the right way. I couldn’t be more excited to bring him back home and work side by side. He brings pride, passion, and purpose to everything he does. He’s exactly the kind of person and coach we want representing Pack Basketball.”
Ranson returns to his home town after spending this past season as the Director of Player Development and Assistant Coach at NCAA Division I Morehead State University.
“I’m excited to be back home! Pueblo holds a special place in my heart. To be a part of the Thunderwolves family tradition is something very special. It’s special to be able to coach at a program where my Dad played. I appreciate Coach Ruebesam for believing in me and giving me an opportunity to bring my passion and energy to CSU Pueblo men’s basketball,” Ranson said.
Prior to working at Morehead State, Ranson spent the 2023-24 season as a graduate assistant coach at Murray State University, working alongside current Morehead State head coach Jonathan Mattox.
Ranson spent one season at Murray State following a season (2022-23) serving as an assistant coach at fellow Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference rival, Western Colorado. During his one season with the Mountaineers, he helped Avery Rembao earned Honorable Mention All-RMAC honors.
Along with his coaching experience, Ranson also worked as an intern in 2023 with Driven Basketball, which is run by well-known player development coach Phil Beckner and current NBA player Damian Lillard.
Ranson played collegiate basketball, first at Northern Colorado, before finishing his career at Fort Lewis (Colo.) College in Durango, Colo.
Originally from Pueblo, Colo., Ranson earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Colorado State University Pueblo in 2022 and his Master’s Degree in Leadership from Murray State in 2024. His grandfather Jim and father Brad were long-time coaches at Pueblo (Colo.) Central High School.
