Bears
UCA strengthens program with three key coaching staff additions
UCA basketball bolsters coaching ranks with experienced additions from top programs, focusing on player development and strength training
Central Arkansas basketball coach John Shulman has made some changes to his coaching staff with three additions.
Will Braden joins the Bears as an assistant coach after serving as director of player development at Fordham University, where he spent five impactful years in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Braden’s appointment brings valuable expertise in player development, having worked closely with NBA skills coach Drew Hanlen, whose client list includes NBA stars Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Haliburton.
“Will’s experience in the Atlantic 10 and his background in player development make him an invaluable addition to our program,” said Shulman. “His work with Drew Hanlen has given him insights into elite-level skill development that will benefit our players immensely.”
The Bears are also welcoming Jake Frankiewicz as their new graduate assistant.
Frankiewicz brings a winning pedigree from his time at the University of Toledo, where he served as a student manager for a program that captured three consecutive Mid-American Conference championships.
His behind-the-scenes expertise in program operations and high-energy approach align perfectly with UCA’s culture of excellence.
Perhaps the most intriguing addition is Ivan Hadzic, who takes over as strength and conditioning coach for both men’s and women’s basketball programs.
A native of Sabac, Serbia, Hadzic’s journey through American basketball includes playing experience at Canisius University and Carson-Newman, followed by two seasons as a graduate assistant coach in strength and conditioning at Jacksonville University.
The timing of these staff additions is crucial for UCA, as the program aims to improve upon its 9-24 record from the 2024-25 season.
Shulman, who brings over two decades of coaching experience to Conway, has been methodically building his staff since taking the helm of the program.
His previous success includes multiple NCAA tournament appearances while at Chattanooga and an impressive track record of developing talent.
Hadzic’s expertise is particularly noteworthy, as he holds certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCCA), and USA Weightlifting (USAW).
His comprehensive approach to strength training, combined with his understanding of basketball from a player’s perspective, offers a unique advantage to UCA’s athlete development program.
“These additions represent a significant step forward for our program,” Shulman said. “Each brings a specific skill set that addresses our needs and aligns with our vision for UCA basketball. Will’s player development background, Jake’s operational expertise, and Ivan’s strength and conditioning knowledge create a perfect combination for our staff.”
The Bears play in the ASUN, which has seen increasingly competitive play in recent years. The conference’s level of play has risen significantly, with multiple teams making deep runs in postseason tournaments.
