Illinois State Basketball Staff Update – HoopDirt

Illinois State head men’s basketball coach Ryan Pedon has announced two promotions, as Jason Slay has been elevated to Associate Head Coach, and Jack Betz to Director of Basketball Operations.

Slay is entering his second season with the Redbirds after coming from South Florida where he was an assistant with the Bulls. Prior to USF he worked at Youngstown State, where he was the associate head coach from 2017-21. He also spent time as an assistant coach at Virginia Military Institute (2015-17), East Tennessee State (2014-15), Tennessee State (2013-14), and director of basketball operations at Georgia Southern (2012-13).

“I am thrilled to announce the promotion of Jason Slay,” said Pedon. “Jason has made a major impact on our program in a very short time, and he has been impressive in all areas he has touched within our program. Jason is extremely well-rounded as an assistant coach, and I plan on utilizing his skills to our program’s advantage as his roles expand further within our program. Jason, his wife Brittany, and their daughter Kaylyn, are very special people and we are thankful to have them as part of the Redbird basketball program.”

He also served as the top assistant coach at Hargrave Military Academy after beginning his coaching career at West Virginia State – his alma mater – after he graduated with his undergraduate degree in general education. He comes from a basketball family, as his older brother Tamar played at Marshall and in the NBA for the New Jersey Nets after being drafted in the second round, and his cousin, Ron, played for Tennessee and made a trip to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2000.

Betz is coming into his third season at Illinois State after spending the previous two seasons as a graduate manager with the Redbirds. Prior to coming to Illinois State, he was a four-year student-manager with Ohio State and was the co-head manager during the 2021-22 season.

“I am also excited in the promotion of Jack Betz within our program,” said the head coach. “Jack’s role as Director of Basketball Operations will be integral to the growth of our program moving forward. In two years as a graduate manager, Jack assisted in all areas of our program, and did an outstanding job. He has a bright future in our profession, and we are so happy to have him as a Redbird.”

The Galena, Ohio, native saw the Buckeyes finish with an 82-47 record during his four seasons, with three trips to the NCAA Tournament – the only miss was the COVID-cancelled 2019 season. He worked with NBA players Duane Washington, E.J. Liddell, and Malaki Branham.

https://goredbirds.com/news/2024/7/10/mens-basketball-mens-basketball-announces-promotions.aspx