Posted: Jun 08, 2020
With the recent departure of Coach G. Todd Shelton, Head Coach Aaron Smith has added Jovan Austin to his staff.
"We will definitely miss Coach Shelton. I am very happy for the opportunity that he earned at Ranger College, which brings him much closer to his family. He served Panola College faithfully and I look forward to watching his continual success in his career."
Jovan Austin comes to the Pony staff after spending one year as an assistant at Texas A&M Commerce where he helped them to an 18-win season. Prior to his time at Commerce, Austin spent two years as a graduate assistant at New Mexico State (2017-19). Austin’s first season at NM State saw the team claim both the regular-season and conference tournament championship while earning an NCAA Tournament berth. His second year with the Aggies saw similar success as the team won both the regular-season and tournament titles and earned its second-straight NCAA Tournament appearance under head coach Chris Jans.
Coach Austin is a graduate of Texas A&M Commerce where he played his Senior year and helped lead the team to the school's 6th ever appearance in the National Tournament. In addition, he is familiar with Region XIV basketball, as he was an All-Conference selection at Paris Junior College, where he was part of a Conference Regular Season Championship and Tournament Championship. Prior to his time at Paris, Austin earned Freshman of the Year honors in the Lonestar Conference at Angelo State. He moved on from Paris and played NCAA D1 Basketball at Bowling Green University for Head Coach Chris Jans.
Jovan was born and raised in Dallas, TX and is the son of Patricia Ramirez.
Coach Aaron Smith on Jovan, "We are very excited to add Coach Austin to our staff! Jovan has played the game at a high level and been a part of very successful programs as a coach. He brings with him great connections, a very high basketball acumen, and an elite ability to connect with his players that will add tremendous value to our program."