Coach Bryant Pagan II is a dedicated basketball coach with a strong foundation in skill development and player mentorship. A native of Prince George's County , Maryland (Laurel) , he graduated from Hampton University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Pagan's coaching journey began in 2011 at his alma mater , Laurel High School, where he served as an Assistant Coach for both the varsity and junior varsity boys' basketball teams. After three years, he moved states and contributed to the growth of high-level AAU Basketball programs in Houston, Texas, notably COOZ Elite Sports. At COOZ Elite, Coach Pagan held multiple roles, including Associate Head Coach, Head Coach, and Program Director of Operations. Along with his guidance the COOZ Elite program and brand grew. The program produced several high level players that went on to play on numerous levels from college to professional basketball , and won a few AAU Circuit Championships.
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Pagan's collegiate coaching experience started in 2020 where he served as an Associate Head Coach under the tutelage of Coach Robert Byrd ,on the Men's and Women's teams at the University of Arkansas Cossatot, a DII NJCAA program . At UA Cossatot , Coach Pagan was able to play a pivotal role in both teams success, including postseason appearances and the development of All Team honors players, a National JUCO All-American , and a two-time NJCAA Region 2 MVP. In 2022 Coach Pagan joined the staff at Southern Arkansas University Tech ( SAU TECH) , a DII NJCAA program in Region 2 to work alongside Coach Martin Levinson. In his first year at SAU TECH, he became a valuable asset to the program to create continued success and development of a DII NJCAA Region 2 All Honors Player.Â
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Upon the departure of Coach Levinson to pursue another opportunity in 2023, Coach Pagan was selected as Interim Head Coach at SAU TECH. At the end of the 2023-2024 season with a 3rd place finish in NJCAA DII Region 2, the interim tag was removed and Coach Pagan became the Head Coach at SAU TECH. From 2023 to 2026 , Coach Pagan led the SAU TECH Rockets Men's Basketball Team to winning records, several All Honors Team Region 2 players, post season success -including a DII Region 2 Tournament Championship appearance, graduated players with an Associates Degree, and was able to assist with the matriculation of players to 4 year colleges and universities . Coach Pagan was committed to building upon the program's legacy with a focus on accountability, hard work and community engagement while creating transformative relationships with student athletes . Pagan is excited to join the staff at Johnson C. Smith University with the goal of being an asset and contributing to the success of this historic program and University .
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