Drake Fills Out Coaching Staff

Editor: The following is part of a press release from godrakebulldogs.com.

Drake University head men’s basketball coach Darian DeVries has announced the promotion of current coaching staff members Matt Gatens and Brady Ellingson to new staff roles.

Gatens, who has served as the Bulldogs’ director of operations the last two seasons, moves into an assistant coaching role while Ellingson takes over the director of operations duties after a season as a graduate manager.

“I’m very excited to promote Matt and Brady. They’re both talented staff members who have been a big part of the success we’ve had in the last two seasons,” DeVries said. “Both have resumes that speak for themselves and are incredibly dedicated and hard workers. They have built tremendous relationships and credibility with our guys and I’m looking forward to them continuing to grow in their careers and have an even greater impact in our program.”

Gatens moves into an on-court coaching role after successfully managing and expanding the Bulldogs off-court operations the past two seasons including scheduling, travel scouting and camps. The former University of Iowa standout joined DeVries’ staff after a season at Auburn.

He was a four-year starter at guard for Iowa, where he scored 1,635 career points, the sixth most in Iowa history, and averaged 12.8 points per game while averaging 2.3 rebounds per game. He was just the second Iowa player to record 1,600 points, 450 rebounds, 250 assists and 125 steals in a career. Gatens was a two-time All-Big Ten selection and two-time team captain.

Following his Hawkeye career, Gatens played professionally in France, Spain, Turkey and Ukraine.

Ellingson remains on staff in an elevated role as the director of operations following a year as the Bulldogs’ graduate assistant. In that role, he coordinated the Bulldogs’ video and scouting operations. He assumed that role after earning second-team All-MVC honors in his lone season as a Bulldog in 2018-19.

Ellingson joined the Bulldogs as a student-athlete after playing in 94 games at the University of Iowa.