Ball State University Athletics
Ron Oliver Named Director Of Basketball Operations
July 15, 2010 | Men's Basketball
MUNCIE, Ind. - Ball State men's basketball head coach Billy Taylor announced the hiring of Ron Oliver as director of basketball operations Thursday afternoon. Oliver brings 10 years of experience working at the NBA level with the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors. He replaces Mitch Gilfillan who was promoted to assistant coach on Taylor's staff.
"We are excited to have Ron join our Ball State family," Taylor said "He is a tremendous addition to our staff. He brings a vast professional experience working under great coaches and front office personnel in the NBA the past 10 years. While it will be a significant change from the professional ranks to college, basketball is still basketball and Ron has great basketball mind. He will be a tremendous asset for our student-athletes, adding value to their experiences and assisting in their development throughout our program."
Oliver, a four-year letterwinner at Michigan, spent the past season as a volunteer assistant coach at Franklin Central High School. He spent two years (2007-09) as an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons, working under head coaches Michael Curry and Flip Saunders. He assisted in organizing team practices, scouting reports and game plans as well as designing training routines to improve athletic performance. Also, he was in charge of the Pistons' NBA Pre-Draft workouts.
"I would like to thank Ball State University, Tom Collins, and Coach Billy Taylor for giving me this tremendous opportunity," Oliver said. "Also, I want to thank Coach Michael Curry, Coach Kevin O'Neill, Coach Rick Carlisle, and Coach Mark James for being part of my hiring process. My family and I are excited to join the Ball State Family and I am equally excited to help mold our student-athletes into professionals and champions."
Prior to his time in Detroit, Oliver spent three seasons with the Indiana Pacers as their video coordinator/advance scout under head coach Rick Carlisle. He helped the Pacers prepare scouting reports and game plans as well as conduct team practices and shoot-arounds.
Oliver spent the 2003-04 season with the Toronto Raptors as an assistant coach/video coordinator for coach Kevin O'Neill. He began his coaching career in the NBA with the Pistons as he served as the team's video coordinator from 1999-2003, working for head coaches Alvin Gentry, George Irvin and Carlisle.
Oliver, a native of Little Rock, Ark., graduated from the University of Michigan in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology and movement science. He was a four-year letterwinner for the Wolverines helping U of M to an 81-51 (.614) record, including a National Invitation Tournament championship in 1997.
Oliver and his wife Bethany, have one daughter, Malea.
####
