Mark Downey
Assistant Men's Basketball Coach
Mark Downey joined the Bowling Green State University men’s basketball coaching staff in April 2014, after serving one season as the head coach at the University of West Alabama (UWA) in 2013-14.
Coach Downey was the winner of two Gulf South Conference Championships while at Arkansas Tech and is a six-time coach of the year winner in 10 seasons as a head coach overall.
In 10 seasons at West Alabama (2013-14), Charleston (2010-2013), Arkansas Tech (2006-2010) and Independence Community College (1999-2001), Downey is the owner of a 204-103 record. He has averaged just over 20 wins per season and has recorded just one losing season. He has a 19-6 record in post-season NCAA Division II conference tournaments and has coached in a total of nine conference tournaments, reaching the finals five times and winning three conference titles.
In 2013-14, the UWA Tigers went 17-11 overall and advanced to the first round of the 2014 NCAA Division II South Region Tournament in its lone season under Downey.
Prior to taking over the helm at UWA, Downey was the head coach at the University of Charleston. In only three seasons at Charleston, he compiled a 60-28 record and led the Golden Eagles to their first NCAA Tournament Appearance since 2001.
Downey has coached over 30 all-conference players, of which six have been conference players of the year, four have been tabbed the conference most valuable players, while four have also been named the conference freshmen of the year. He has had 40 former players go on to play professional basketball.
He had a 100-percent graduation rate at Arkansas Tech and Independence Community College and has graduated 95-percent of the student-athletes who have played for him as a head coach.
Assistant coaching stops for Downey include the University of New Orleans (2001-2006), Independence Community College (1998-1999), Marshall (1996-1998) and Barton College (1995-1996).
Downey played his collegiate basketball at the University of Charleston (1993-95) and Wheeling Jesuit (1991-92). He was the team captain for two seasons at Charleston and an all-conference performer at Wheeling Jesuit. A two-time all-state selection at St. Francis High School, he led all prep scorers in West Virginia with 37.9 points per game in 1989-90.
Downey and his wife Ericka are the parents of two sons, Bryce (7) and Andrew (2). He earned his Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine from the University of Charleston in 1995 and a Master of Science in Athletic Administration in 1998.
He also made his acting debut in the 2004 Jerry Bruckheimer film “Glory Road”, playing University of Kentucky player Tommy Kron. He recently competed in the West Virginia Symphony fundraiser “Charleston’s Dancing With the Stars.”
A tidbit I did not know and connects him in a very round-a-bout way to UALR. He replaced Mike Newell as head coach at U. of West Alabama. It is also possible that this is the connection to Tide fan Steve.
(04-01-2015 11:16 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ]Mark Downey
Assistant Men's Basketball Coach
Mark Downey joined the Bowling Green State University men’s basketball coaching staff in April 2014, after serving one season as the head coach at the University of West Alabama (UWA) in 2013-14.
Coach Downey was the winner of two Gulf South Conference Championships while at Arkansas Tech and is a six-time coach of the year winner in 10 seasons as a head coach overall.
In 10 seasons at West Alabama (2013-14), Charleston (2010-2013), Arkansas Tech (2006-2010) and Independence Community College (1999-2001), Downey is the owner of a 204-103 record. He has averaged just over 20 wins per season and has recorded just one losing season. He has a 19-6 record in post-season NCAA Division II conference tournaments and has coached in a total of nine conference tournaments, reaching the finals five times and winning three conference titles.
In 2013-14, the UWA Tigers went 17-11 overall and advanced to the first round of the 2014 NCAA Division II South Region Tournament in its lone season under Downey.
Prior to taking over the helm at UWA, Downey was the head coach at the University of Charleston. In only three seasons at Charleston, he compiled a 60-28 record and led the Golden Eagles to their first NCAA Tournament Appearance since 2001.
Downey has coached over 30 all-conference players, of which six have been conference players of the year, four have been tabbed the conference most valuable players, while four have also been named the conference freshmen of the year. He has had 40 former players go on to play professional basketball.
He had a 100-percent graduation rate at Arkansas Tech and Independence Community College and has graduated 95-percent of the student-athletes who have played for him as a head coach.
Assistant coaching stops for Downey include the University of New Orleans (2001-2006), Independence Community College (1998-1999), Marshall (1996-1998) and Barton College (1995-1996).
Downey played his collegiate basketball at the University of Charleston (1993-95) and Wheeling Jesuit (1991-92). He was the team captain for two seasons at Charleston and an all-conference performer at Wheeling Jesuit. A two-time all-state selection at St. Francis High School, he led all prep scorers in West Virginia with 37.9 points per game in 1989-90.
Downey and his wife Ericka are the parents of two sons, Bryce (7) and Andrew (2). He earned his Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine from the University of Charleston in 1995 and a Master of Science in Athletic Administration in 1998.
He also made his acting debut in the 2004 Jerry Bruckheimer film “Glory Road”, playing University of Kentucky player Tommy Kron. He recently competed in the West Virginia Symphony fundraiser “Charleston’s Dancing With the Stars.”
A tidbit I did not know and connects him in a very round-a-bout way to UALR. He replaced Mike Newell as head coach at U. of West Alabama. It is also possible that this is the connection to Tide fan Steve.
Any similar info on other potential candidates like Daniyal Robinson, etc.? Not Walker and Kline who have been already debated and discussed.
(04-01-2015 11:16 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ]Mark Downey
Assistant Men's Basketball Coach
Mark Downey joined the Bowling Green State University men’s basketball coaching staff in April 2014, after serving one season as the head coach at the University of West Alabama (UWA) in 2013-14.
Coach Downey was the winner of two Gulf South Conference Championships while at Arkansas Tech and is a six-time coach of the year winner in 10 seasons as a head coach overall.
In 10 seasons at West Alabama (2013-14), Charleston (2010-2013), Arkansas Tech (2006-2010) and Independence Community College (1999-2001), Downey is the owner of a 204-103 record. He has averaged just over 20 wins per season and has recorded just one losing season. He has a 19-6 record in post-season NCAA Division II conference tournaments and has coached in a total of nine conference tournaments, reaching the finals five times and winning three conference titles.
In 2013-14, the UWA Tigers went 17-11 overall and advanced to the first round of the 2014 NCAA Division II South Region Tournament in its lone season under Downey.
Prior to taking over the helm at UWA, Downey was the head coach at the University of Charleston. In only three seasons at Charleston, he compiled a 60-28 record and led the Golden Eagles to their first NCAA Tournament Appearance since 2001.
Downey has coached over 30 all-conference players, of which six have been conference players of the year, four have been tabbed the conference most valuable players, while four have also been named the conference freshmen of the year. He has had 40 former players go on to play professional basketball.
He had a 100-percent graduation rate at Arkansas Tech and Independence Community College and has graduated 95-percent of the student-athletes who have played for him as a head coach.
Assistant coaching stops for Downey include the University of New Orleans (2001-2006), Independence Community College (1998-1999), Marshall (1996-1998) and Barton College (1995-1996).
Downey played his collegiate basketball at the University of Charleston (1993-95) and Wheeling Jesuit (1991-92). He was the team captain for two seasons at Charleston and an all-conference performer at Wheeling Jesuit. A two-time all-state selection at St. Francis High School, he led all prep scorers in West Virginia with 37.9 points per game in 1989-90.
Downey and his wife Ericka are the parents of two sons, Bryce (7) and Andrew (2). He earned his Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine from the University of Charleston in 1995 and a Master of Science in Athletic Administration in 1998.
He also made his acting debut in the 2004 Jerry Bruckheimer film “Glory Road”, playing University of Kentucky player Tommy Kron. He recently competed in the West Virginia Symphony fundraiser “Charleston’s Dancing With the Stars.”
A tidbit I did not know and connects him in a very round-a-bout way to UALR. He replaced Mike Newell as head coach at U. of West Alabama. It is also possible that this is the connection to Tide fan Steve.
I obviously don't know if this young man will become the coach at UALR, but I've been high on him for our job since back when he was coaching Arkansas Tech. Never thought we had a chance to hire him because I thought Steve would be here forever, or at least as long as Chris was here. I could have never predicted the scenario that changed the entire landscape. Chris leaving and being replaced by Chasse. And then Chasse having the intestinal fortitude to make a coaching change in his first few months on the job. It's has been a whirlwind of activity, and I guess we'll know if it's Downey or someone else in the next few days.
I would expect an announcement in the next five or six days, one way or another.
Hire this guy
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I wouldn't be disappointed if we hired him. But my preferred choice is Robinson which doesn't mean much.
We need someone who is a good fit, recruit and make an immediate impact. Both Robinson and Downey are qualified. I expect those two are on the short list. I would not be surprised if either one is being offered the job this week with an announcement next week.
I would think they might want to get it in the Sunday paper, in between the semi finals and the championship game next Monday night. That's assuming they make a decision by then.
(04-02-2015 07:49 AM)LR Alum Wrote: [ -> ]I wouldn't be disappointed if we hired him. But my preferred choice is Robinson which doesn't mean much.
There are two reasons I would prefer Downey. First of all, although he's still relatively young, he has a great record as a head coach, both winning games and helping student athletes graduate. I also understand he plays an up tempo style of basketball, which is entertaining to more fans.
Daniyal is a fine young man, but he has no head coaching experience. Since he played here for Porter and has coached with him, his style of coaching would probably be similar to Porter's, which was similar to Steve's, which isn't going to bring fans into the Jack at this point.
I just think Downey is a proven winner, and that's important. I hope Daniyal gets a chance to be a head coach, but he probably needs to start in D2 and prove himself, or work for one of the premier coaches as an assistant to move up the ladder.
On this one, I've been consistent from the time Steve was released. I've wanted Downey, if he was available. So I'm going to stay with my choice until either he's the man, or someone else is. And I'll support whomever we choose. Of course it might not be either one, but someone we've not even heard of. So be it. We'll have a coach and a team this season, so we can spend Winter evenings in the Jack.
Both seem to be fine men, and from a character standpoint, I don't think we could go wrong with either one.
I like Downey too. But prefer Robinson since he has been responsible for recruiting some good d1 players that were all conference in the mvc, big 12, and old cusa. Yes he has coached with moser and shields but you forgot he coached with McDermott and dickey whose teams scored a lot.
(04-02-2015 08:44 AM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ] (04-02-2015 07:49 AM)LR Alum Wrote: [ -> ]I wouldn't be disappointed if we hired him. But my preferred choice is Robinson which doesn't mean much.
There are two reasons I would prefer Downey. First of all, although he's still relatively young, he has a great record as a head coach, both winning games and helping student athletes graduate. I also understand he plays an up tempo style of basketball, which is entertaining to more fans.
Daniyal is a fine young man, but he has no head coaching experience. Since he played here for Porter and has coached with him, his style of coaching would probably be similar to Porter's, which was similar to Steve's, which isn't going to bring fans into the Jack at this point.
I just think Downey is a proven winner, and that's important. I hope Daniyal gets a chance to be a head coach, but he probably needs to start in D2 and prove himself, or work for one of the premier coaches as an assistant to move up the ladder.
On this one, I've been consistent from the time Steve was released. I've wanted Downey, if he was available. So I'm going to stay with my choice until either he's the man, or someone else is. And I'll support whomever we choose. Of course it might not be either one, but someone we've not even heard of. So be it. We'll have a coach and a team this season, so we can spend Winter evenings in the Jack.
Both seem to be fine men, and from a character standpoint, I don't think we could go wrong with either one.
Daniyal played for Wimp
(04-02-2015 09:28 AM)Petersonisaclown Wrote: [ -> ] (04-02-2015 08:44 AM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ] (04-02-2015 07:49 AM)LR Alum Wrote: [ -> ]I wouldn't be disappointed if we hired him. But my preferred choice is Robinson which doesn't mean much.
There are two reasons I would prefer Downey. First of all, although he's still relatively young, he has a great record as a head coach, both winning games and helping student athletes graduate. I also understand he plays an up tempo style of basketball, which is entertaining to more fans.
Daniyal is a fine young man, but he has no head coaching experience. Since he played here for Porter and has coached with him, his style of coaching would probably be similar to Porter's, which was similar to Steve's, which isn't going to bring fans into the Jack at this point.
I just think Downey is a proven winner, and that's important. I hope Daniyal gets a chance to be a head coach, but he probably needs to start in D2 and prove himself, or work for one of the premier coaches as an assistant to move up the ladder.
On this one, I've been consistent from the time Steve was released. I've wanted Downey, if he was available. So I'm going to stay with my choice until either he's the man, or someone else is. And I'll support whomever we choose. Of course it might not be either one, but someone we've not even heard of. So be it. We'll have a coach and a team this season, so we can spend Winter evenings in the Jack.
Both seem to be fine men, and from a character standpoint, I don't think we could go wrong with either one.
Daniyal played for Wimp
Did he graduate before Porter became head coach? Does my memory serve me correctly that maybe he was a graduate assistant under Porter? Anyway, I remember him being a very nice young man and wish him well, whether it's here or somewhere else.