Brett Ballard To Take Over Baker University Basketball Program

March 22, 2010

LAWRENE, Kan. –

Kansas director of basketball operations, Brett Ballard, has been selected as the head men’s basketball coach at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kan., announced Monday by Baker President and Interim Athletic Director Patricia N. Long.

Ballard has been involved with the Jayhawk basketball program for the last decade, as a player from 2000-02 and then as an integral member of the administrative staff for the last seven years.

“We are very happy for Brett,” said KU head coach Bill Self. “He has been an unbelievable employee of our basketball program and has been a huge asset to me personally. He wants to be a head coach and this is a great opportunity to do that without having to relocate his family. We are excited for Brett, but sad to see him leave. He will be close enough, though, that we know he will still help us on a continual basis.”

Ballard graduated from KU in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, and then served as the administrative assistant/video coordinator for the men’s basketball team for the next four years. In 2008, he was promoted to director of basketball operations. He oversees the academic progress of the Jayhawks, works closely with the offseason strength and conditioning and assists with on-campus recruiting, team travel and team video. He also serves as the director for Bill Self’s basketball camps and manages the coaches clinic, winter clinic and Special Olympics clinic.

In addition to his successes as part of the administrative staff, Ballard was a member of KU’s Sweet Sixteen team in 2001 and Final Four team in 2002, while earning Academic All-Big 12 honors his senior year.

Ballard succeeds Rick Weaver at Baker, who retired from coaching at the end of the 2009-10 season after guiding the Wildcats for 25 years.

Dr. Long will formally introduce Ballard during a news conference at 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 23, at the Collins House on the Baldwin City campus.