NCSA Men's Basketball Recruiting Coaches
Johnathan Edwards
CoachJEdwards@ncsasports.org | 614-370-1811 | Ohio Wesleyan University
Hello, my name is Johnathan Edwards. Sports have been a part of my life at a very young age. Throughout my childhood, all the way up into my adulthood athletics has played a pivotal role in developing me into the man you see today. The thing that has always drawn me to athletics is the idea and sense of belonging it brings me. Working tirelessly towards a goal and achieving it, then getting to relive that process over again helps provide that structure and discipline it takes to be successful in all other areas of life. Growing up in New York the athletic culture was very competitive. Through my years as an adolescent and teenager, I had to work extremely hard on the basketball court as well as the classroom to stand out. My parents made sure they taught me the importance of hard work and staying committed to whatever goals I set for myself. Sports helped give them the self-worth and self-confidence that I needed to believe I could achieve anything in life with the right mind state.
As I came up playing through high school and eventually college, I was able to receive many valuable life lessons in my experience of participating in sports. Looking back at my time as a player it played a huge role in preparing me to be a leader later on in life. After my college playing career, I got into college coaching. In my experience as a college coach, I was able to see things from a whole other perspective. I realized how much value I was able to bring to other student-athletes and families' lives by assisting them in avoiding some of the mistakes I made along my playing journey. The great thing about sports is that it is a fantastic way for someone to build character. It can be a tool used to create many doors for yourself if applied with the correct understanding. I like to call myself a lifetime athlete because sports is a part of me and will always be a part of me. It has been something I can always go to regardless of what I’m going through in life to get understanding and strength from.
Jason Jamerson
CoachJJamerson@ncsasports.org | 312-638-4419 | Grand Valley State University
I grew up in central Indiana. I was a 4-year varsity basketball player at Burris Laboratory School in IN. I was the East Central Indiana Player of the Year my Senior season. After finishing my high school career I was offered a full-ride scholarship to Grand Valley State University. I was a 4-year starter at GVSU and was part of the two most successful teams in school history. With back-to-back D2 Elite Eight appearances (06-07 and 07-08) and a 2007-2008 season record of 36-1, I finished my career 4th all-time in scoring and 1st all-time in 3-point field goals made in a career. I was inducted into the Grand Valley Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016 and into the Delaware Country Hall of Fame (Home County) in 2017.
After finishing my college career at Grand Valley, I started my professional career in France. I spent five seasons playing overseas. I spent one year in France, three years in Germany and a season in Morrocco. After my professional career ended I spent two years coaching at Davenport University in MI. After two seasons of coaching at Davenport University, I heard about NCSA and immediately knew it was something I wanted to be a part of.
I Joined the NCSA team in 2017 to start helping student-athletes live out their dream. I joined NCSA to help families navigate the recruiting process and help student-athletes live their dreams like I was able to. I also enjoy my colleagues at NCSA. Everyone is on the same team with the same mission of helping every student-athlete achieve their goals.
Nick Radenkovich
CoachNRadenkovich@ncsasports.org | 312-579-2545 | University of Arizona
I attended the University of Arizona where I was a Student Manager for 4 years. In my time there, we won 2 Conference Championships and went to the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 twice. I spent 5 seasons as a D III Assistant Coach at Benedictine University where we won 3 Conference Championships and went to the NCAA Tournament twice. I am currently the Head Coach at Morton College.
My goal is to help athletes reach their goals and dreams. I have a passion for helping people and I know how difficult the recruiting process can be. Being able to help families through these difficult times is what excites me the most about NCSA. It’s a really good feeling knowing that you are able to help an athlete strive for these goals both athletically and academically. I’m extremely glad to be with such a great company like NCSA.
Lance Robinson
CoachLRobinson@ncsasports.org | 312-579-2545 | Aurora University
I attended a four-year college at Aurora University in Aurora, IL. In college, I played basketball and was part of four conference championships as a player and was named a DIII All-American player. I am a former DIII Head Basketball Coach and current JUCO Head Coach.
My passion is connecting and working with people to help and assist each individual to reach their goals and dreams. Many factors weigh in choosing a college so the most rewarding part of working for NCSA is working with families in finding the right “fit” for their son in a college choice. NCSA is changing the game of the recruiting process with its student-centric and customer-based focus that is truly making a difference in the lives of the student-athletes and their families.
Rick Romeli
CoachRRomeli@ncsasports.org | 312-690-6302 | St. Xavier University
I was a four-year college athlete, competing in basketball from 2001-2005 and baseball from 2002-2003 at Saint Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois. I graduated from Saint Xavier with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA in financial fraud.
During my senior season at SXU, I was named First Team All-Conference, and our 2004-2005 team went 30-7, along with making the deepest run in school history at the NAIA National Tournament reaching the Elite Eight. I was inducted into the Saint Xavier University Athletic Hall of Fame in May of 2012.
Upon the completion of my playing career, I accepted a position to stay on as an assistant coach within the men’s basketball program at Saint Xavier where I spent nine seasons from 2005-2014. In 2014, I accepted the opportunity to become the associate head coach at Governors State University in University Park, Illinois, within their men’s basketball program. I will be entering my fourth season at GSU this upcoming fall 2017.
In addition to coaching at the university, I have been working with club basketball programs over the past five years. Currently, I work within the Nike-sponsored Meanstreets Basketball Program out of Chicago.
The most rewarding part of working at NCSA is the opportunity to work with student-athletes and families who are truly committed to the recruiting process and giving their athletes the best possible opportunity to play at the collegiate level.
Josh Ruggles
JRuggles@ncsasports.org | 312-690-6302 | Loras University
I am a basketball recruiting coach and a Loras College alum. As a high school basketball player, I set a world record for three-pointers made in five minutes, won the IHSA “King of the Hill” state three-point competition, and was selected all-state as a senior. After graduating high school, I attended Grace College for a year before transferring to Loras College.
As a college athlete, I was the fastest player in Loras College Men’s Basketball history to reach 1,000 career points. I was recognized as an all-conference two times and was selected conference MVP once. As a senior, I co-captained the first sweet sixteen team in the history of Loras College Men’s Basketball. Since graduating college, I have spent the past few years as a full-time skills trainer and have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of athletes of all ages and skill levels, including entire college teams as well as numerous professional athletes. I love the game of basketball and am incredibly passionate about helping high school athletes find a home at the collegiate level! Being a part of NCSA has allowed me to turn one of my passions into a career.
The best part about working at NCSA is that I have the opportunity to connect with and positively impact the lives of student-athletes and their families. Another thing that I love about working at NCSA is being a part of a team of people who truly care about serving student-athletes. When I’m not working, I am either watching basketball, playing basketball, or coaching basketball!
James Stockton
JStockton@ncsasports.org | 312-610-6157 | East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
I am currently a Basketball Recruiting Coach for NCSA and began my career in April 2019 as a Recruiting Coordinator. As for my own playing experience, in high school, I played soccer and basketball. During my senior year, I was named 1st Team All-County and 3rd Team All-Conference in basketball. After high school I was given the opportunity to redshirt at East Stroudsburg University, however, my coach had left the program and I had to return to my community college Ocean County College where I played for 2 years and was named 1st Team All-Conference, 2nd Team All-Region, and 1st Team Academic All American. After Ocean County College I transferred to The College of New Jersey where I played my last two years of college. At TCNJ I received a Bachelor of Science in the concentration of Health & Exercise Science in May of 2012. During this time I also received certifications in Personal Training, Sports Nutritionist, Strength & Conditioning Coach, and a teaching certification in Health & Physical Education in the state of New Jersey.
At the age of 18 while still playing in college I began coaching an AAU team of 8th graders and continued to coach them until they were out of high school. At this point, I made the choice that I wanted to continue coaching but at a higher level so I became a volunteer coach at a local high school. I coached at Toms River High School North for one season upon completion of that season Ocean County College had an opening for the Assistant Men’s basketball Coach I applied and was hired at my Alma mater. I continued to coach at Ocean County College for the next 5 years and in that time I have had the great pleasure of helping players achieve their goals and dreams both on and off the court.
During my last year of coaching at Ocean County College, I decided to further my education in athletics and attended Concordia University Irvine and began my master’s program in Coaching and athletic Administration. I have since graduated from Concordia University Irvine with a Master’s Degree in Coaching and athletic Administration in November of 2018.
I then left coaching at Ocean County College and accepted the Head Men’s Basketball coach at Sussex County College a Division III junior college in Newton, New Jersey where I coached for 3 years( one being the covid year). In my time at Sussex, I have helped numerous players achieve their dream of playing in college and continuing to play after completing their degree at Sussex. I am currently an Assistant Coach at Penn State York College in York PA.
In my time as both a player and a coach, I have met some of the most amazing people, friends, colleagues, teammates, and players. I have been a first-hand witness to young athletes achieving their dreams of playing at the next level and beyond. In my experience, there is a place for every athlete who is determined and dedicated to becoming a collegiate athlete as long as they are willing to put in the work both on the field or court and in the classroom.
As a junior college player and coach, I have lived, seen, and sadly, continue to see what happens when players and their families are not fully aware of how the recruiting process works and how to create a plan to meet all of the goals, wants, and needs of the family. In many cases, it is the young athlete who may miss out on a great opportunity. This is why I love what I do, being able to educate families about the recruiting process, help create criteria and a list of potential colleges, connect those families with the colleges and coaches that fit academically and athletically, and essentially help young athletes' dreams come true.
Brandon Hoke
bhoker@ncsasports.org | Defiance College
I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, and was a three-year varsity basketball player at Brookhaven High School. My next stop was Defiance College where I majored in Sport Management. On the hardwood, I won a conference championship and got the opportunity to play in the NCAA tournament. A few years later, I was able to win another conference championship and earn another NCAA tournament bid, but this time as a graduate assistant coach. While being the graduate assistant men’s basketball coach, I was also a graduate assistant academic advisor, and my focus was on at-risk freshmen. I feel blessed and appreciative to be able to change lives in many different ways.
Basketball has taken me to so many places in my life. I interned and coached on the postgraduate level for two years at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida. That is where I got my first experience in coaching and training international players. Next, I would become the Director of Player Development and Head Coach at Combine Academy in Atlanta, Georgia.
The most rewarding part of working for NCSA is getting the opportunity to make a positive impact in the world and help young people follow their dreams.
Dalton Bornholdt
dbornholdt@ncsasports.org | 872-281-6421 | Grand Canyon University
Coming out of high school, I didn’t know just how many opportunities there were to play sports at the collegiate level. No coaches had approached me about the opportunity to play and I was also unaware of the need to market myself to coaches. NCSA allows me to help student-athletes and their families gain the necessary knowledge to attract attention from college coaches while educating them on the logistics of the recruiting process, something I wish I had had back in 2014.
Immediately out of college, at just 22 years of age, I was able to become the head assistant men’s basketball coach at the NCAA Division III level. I have now coached basketball for the past 4 years at the college level while attaining my master’s degree in Coaching Leadership.
Darin Ford
dford@ncsasports.org | University of Akron
I began my coaching career at 17 years old in Illinois coaching AAU. After graduating from high school, I was a manager at Bradley University. My family and I moved the following year to Florida where I was an assistant coach at Indian River State College. I continued my education at Stony Brook University where I was a manager for one year and then the head coach at Harborfields High School (NY) for two years.
For the 2019-2020 season, I was a graduate assistant at the University of Akron where we won the regular season championship. I was hired as an assistant coach at Pratt Community College in August 2020 and the head coach at Mosley High School (FL) in 2021.
I came to NCSA because I have always been impressed and inspired by the great service our company provides. Educating and assisting student-athletes and their families is such an important job that makes a real impact. I believe that I have something to offer student-athletes and their families due to my experience and unique perspective. NCSA believes that there is a perfect fit for every student-athlete and I could not agree more.
I reside in North Ridgeville, Ohio, a southwest Cleveland suburb, with my girlfriend. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and attending sporting events, usually basketball. I have enjoyed my coaching career and regularly talk to my coaching friends about their teams.
Zachary Stitt
CoachZStitt@ncsasports.org | 312-205-7533 | Geneva College
I attended a four-year college at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA. There I competed on the Men’s Basketball Team for four years and was a two-year captain. I went on to get a Master’s Degree in Inter Collegiate Athletic Administration at California University of PA in 2020 while working at Geneva College.
I spent 6 years coaching college basketball at Cornell University (D1) and Geneva College (D3) before joining NCSA. During my time in the college coaching ranks I was able to recruit a number of players from NCSA over the years. That being said, the best part of working with NCSA is being able to connect with families and student-athletes to help guide them through the recruiting process and find them a home at the next level.
Outside of work, I enjoy golfing, spending time with my family and friends, and exploring with my partner. We reside in Ithaca, NY, and love to travel across the country.
Ben Wright
CoachBWright@ncsasports.org | 312-690-6325 | Emory University
I possess an inner cocktail of extroverted positive energy, intense analytical thinking skills, passionately placed loyalty, and purposeful joy. I am a people person who comfortably walks the line between outspokenness and cooperation, standing out yet fitting in, and having fun while ambitiously setting and pushing toward goals.
I believe in walking your own path, steadfastly adhering to your inner voice, and developing your own language. Not only is that how we all move our metaphorical spiritual ball forward, but it’s just funner that way, isn’t it?
Chris Oroszko
CoachCoroszko@ncsasports.org | ClarkUniversity
I graduated from Clark University in Worcester, MA where I was fortunate to play on a conference championship team that earned a bid into the Division III NCAA tournament. After college, I took a job as a high school freshman basketball coach as a way to earn money while I was attending graduate school and immediately fell in love with coaching.
After four years at the high school level, I moved on to become a college assistant. I served as a Division III Men’s Assistant at Clark University, Connecticut College, Anna Maria College, Kenyon College, and Westfield State University. I was also the Head Women’s Coach at D3 Anna Maria College for two seasons. In 2013 I was hired as the top Men’s Assistant at D2 American International College (AIC) where I coached for nine seasons and was promoted to Associate Head Coach in 2020. I was fortunate to be a part of the 2015 Northeast-10 Conference championship team which earned the number one seed in the Division II NCAA East Regional.
I joined NCSA in July 2022 with a desire to help student-athletes and their families navigate the, at times, difficult recruiting process. I am a firm believer in the importance of college athletics and I’m excited to help student-athletes reach their goal.
I live in Springfield, MA, and in my free time, I enjoy going to concerts and watching my beloved New England Patriots.