As America is gearing up for another season of college basketball, you may see someone you recognize this year patrolling the sidelines. Former North Atlanta High School star, Jeremy Ballard (’99) is now in his third season as an assistant basketball coach at the University of Tulsa,  joining an esteemed group of former Tulsa coaches that include Billy Gillespie, Tom Izzo, Nolan Richardson, Bill Self, and Tubby Smith just to name a few.

In his first season at Tulsa, Ballard helped the Golden Hurricane post a 25-14 record, advance to the C-USA Championship Game and win the inaugural post-season College Basketball Invitational Championship.

Before going to Tulsa, Ballard, 28, spent three seasons as an assistant basketball coach at his alma mater, Colgate University. A 2003 graduate of Colgate, Ballard earned four varsity letters with the Raiders, and served as a co-captain in his senior season. He played in 63 games during his career including 18 starting assignments during the 2002-03 campaign. He was only the third two-time winner of the prestigious ECAC Merit Medal Award in Colgate history, and was named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll in 2002 and 2003.

In 2001, Ballard received the team’s Hasan Brown Award, given to the player who typifies the spirit of Colgate basketball, and in 2003 he was the recipient of the Coaches Award as the best defensive player.

So look for Jeremy this season, and when they’re not playing your favorite team, root on the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes and one of North Atlanta’s own.

5 Responses to “Jeremy Ballard ’99”

1. Alisha Alford says:

   November 16, 2009 at 3:04 pm

   This is awesome! I am so proud of JB, I remember him and his sisters Mia and Megan. He played with my God-brother Brandon Gatson. Congrats Jeremy, I will be following you from now on!

   ~Alisha
2. Mark MyGrant says:

   November 18, 2009 at 8:54 am

   I don’t know Jeremy, but you can’t go wrong with parents like John and Rita Ballard.
   Mark MyGrant,Principal
   North Atlanta High School
3. Erica Craig says:

   January 22, 2010 at 10:34 am

   Go Jeremy!!!
4. Adrianne Harris says:

   February 4, 2010 at 6:53 pm

   Good for you Jeremy! I will add Tulsa to my list of favorites! Go Warriors!
5. Cheryl Simpson says:

   March 17, 2010 at 7:10 am

   Echo Mr. Mygrant, with supportive parents like Jeremy’s, one can do nothing but succeed and make NAHS proud!