Richardson Selected Again for NCAA College Basketball Academy – Wheeling University Athletics

For the second year in a row, Wheeling men’s basketball coach Chris Richardson has been selected to coach at the NCAA’s College Basketball Academy. This year’s event will take place in Rock Hill, S.C. from July 22-26. 

The College Basketball Academy brings together dozens of the top prospects from all over the United States, voted on by NCAA Division I coaches, for three days of competition, testing, life skills training and education. The purpose of the academy is to prepare the student-athletes for college basketball, while giving them the opportunity to compete in front of hundreds of Division I programs during an NCAA-regulated live recruiting period.  

Richardson will lead a team of nine prospects through practice and competition, while accompanying the team to all life skills sessions. 

“It is an honor to be selected again,” said Richardson. “Having the opportunity to represent Wheeling University and our program on a national stage is something I’m proud of. Coaching in the academy last summer was a tremendous experience, and I have no doubt that this summer will be even better.” 

In addition to responsibilities with his team, Richardson will participate in daily professional development sessions with other coaches covering not just on-court strategy, but leadership, team building, communication, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of college athletics. 

“Anytime you’re working alongside outstanding players and coaches, you can learn and grow,” he said. “This experience will help me become a better coach and leader. I know I’ll leave camp with new ideas and new relationships within the game. It will be a fun, productive and memorable week in the gym. I cannot wait.” 

The camp is a joint effort between the NCAA, USA Basketball and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Richardson was selected by the NABC from a national pool of applicants that includes coaches from the NCAA Division II, Division III, NAIA, junior college and high school ranks.  

This is the third installment of the College Basketball Academy, which was introduced in the summer of 2019 as part of larger reforms to college basketball recruiting.