Heiar named DI Coach of the Year
Charlotte, NC - After leading Northwest Florida State to a national title, first-year head coach Greg Heiar has been named the 2022 NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Coach of the Year.
Inheriting a program that won just six games last season, Heiar took over and led the Raiders to a NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship title, a Panhandle Conference title, and a 31-5 overall record.
"Coach Heiar is incredibly deserving of this award, said Athletic Director Ramsey Ross. "Through his leadership, our program exceled to unprecedented heights in just one season, culminating with cutting down the nets in Hutch. Our college is very proud and thankful of the impact he made, and we are delighted for him to receive this amazing honor."
Heiar's Raiders entered the national tournament as an at-large selection and were awarded the 10-seed. Northwest Florida State defeated top-seeded Salt Lake, 83-67, claiming the national title. The 2022 title marked the third in program history, with the previous national titles coming in 2015 and 1995.
During the regular season, Heiar led his squad to a 15-1 record at home and went on a 18-game win streak the season early in the season. Northwest Florida State ranked among the top-15 in DI men's basketball for the entirety of the season, reaching its highest ranking at No. 3 during Week 9 and Week 11 of the season.
Heiar received the Coach of the Tournament award at the National Championship while coaching four student-athletes to receive national tournament honors, including Deshawndre Washington who was named the William French Most Valuable Player, Kam Woods who earned the Bud Obee Outstanding Small Player Award, Tre Clark and Brennan Rigsby were named to the All-Tournament Team. Washington also received NJCAA First Team All-America honors.
In an announcement made on March 27, Greg Heiar will continue his coaching career as the head men's basketball coach for New Mexico State.
2021-22 Accomplishments
NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Championship title
NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Championship Coach of the Tournament
Panhandle Conference title
