A Strategic Overhaul
Arkansas State University is set to enter the 2026‑27 men's basketball season with a refreshed support staff, signaling a focused effort to deepen its analytical and developmental capabilities.
Maiya Rawlinson joins the program as director of basketball operations, bringing recent experience from South Alabama's women's basketball program where she managed day‑to‑day operations and contributed to strategic planning.
Riley Arnold, who spent the last four seasons at the University of Alabama, has been tapped to lead the team's analytics and strategy initiatives, drawing on his work in scouting, player workouts, and data‑driven decision making.
Wes Reinagel, also a former Alabama assistant, will serve as head video coordinator, overseeing the creation of scouting footage and ensuring that visual resources are efficiently organized for coaches.
Isaiah Taveras arrives from Syracuse University, where he honed his skills in video production, scouting, and player development, and will now contribute to the Red Wolves' player growth pathways.
Jake Harrell, a hometown product who captured a national football championship at Harding University, returns to the basketball realm in a player development and video role, adding a unique cross‑sport perspective.
Ron Trapps, who most recently served as associate head coach at Fayetteville Academy in South Carolina, joins the staff with a background that includes two gold‑medal performances at the Armed Forces Basketball Championships, enriching the program's defensive and developmental philosophy.
The collective experience of these six professionals reflects a deliberate strategy by Arkansas State to modernize its basketball operations, leveraging analytics, video technology, and player development expertise to compete more effectively in a crowded conference landscape.
Looking Ahead
With these appointments, the Red Wolves aim to translate sophisticated data and visual tools into tangible on‑court improvements, positioning the program for sustained growth in the coming seasons.