Montana State women’s basketball coach Tricia Binford has announced changes within the Bobcat program heading into the 2016-17 season.
Assistant coach Nate Harris has been elevated to Associate Head Coach, while former Idaho State graduate assistant Jason Alvine, was named Director of Basketball Operations. Alvine was also named the new voice of Bobcat women’s basketball broadcasts.
Harris, who enters his third season with the Bobcats, serves as MSU’s defensive coordinator, while also holding duties with guard development and opponent scouting. Under Harris’ tutelage, the Bobcats ranked as high as No. 11 in the nation in field-goal percentage defense. In addition, he was responsible for developing 2016 Big Sky Newcomer of the Year Riley Nordgaard and 28-game starter Delany Junkermier.
“Last year we created a more efficient, versatile defensive system to match our up-tempo offensive attack,” Binford said. “Coach Harris helped improve our defensive points per possession finishing in the top three in the Big Sky both seasons. We have continued to grow in our scheme and have the foundation to be a perennially strong defensive team in the Big Sky Conference thanks to his efforts.”
Alvine, a 2002 graduate of Northern Colorado, recently finished his master’s degree in athletic administration at Idaho State University. As director of basketball operations, he’ll be responsible for team travel, Bobcat camps, community service, facility scheduling and overseeing the program’s student-managers.
“It’s great to have someone like Jason on our staff and be the voice of the Cats,” Binford said. “Jason is someone who is “all in” and just does the above and beyond tasks in any area needed. He is a great addition, with experience in both Director of Basketball Operations and the play-by-play. He will be able to hit the ground running.”
Last winter, Alvine assisted in day-to-day and game day coaching preparation at ISU and helped the Bengals to the Big Sky Conference tournament championship game. During his time in Pocatello he was responsible for hotel negotiations, team meals, film exchange and portions of team travel.
As a broadcaster, he called women’s basketball, volleyball and baseball at Northern Colorado from 2009-2015. Prior to his stint in Greeley, Alvine was football play-by-play announcer for KRCN in Longmont, Colorado from 2012-13, and at ESPN 870 in Fort Collins, Colorado, from 2010-11.
“I am excited to join the Bobcat family, as I have always admired the program from afar, and now get the opportunity to work with a great staff on a daily basis,” Alvine said. “I think combining the DOBO position and play-by-play role is a natural fit, and I am looking forward to providing the best broadcast possible for the Bobcat faithful.”
Alvine has already started his duties at Montana State.
Tagged with: Big Sky Montana State Tricia Binford
