Southern Miss Announces Ben Mandelbaum as New Assistant Coach
Southern Miss head coach Jay Ladner revealed this week that Ben Mandelbaum will join the program as an assistant coach, bringing a diverse coaching background to the Golden Eagles. The announcement was made during a press conference that highlighted the team's strategic direction and the new staff member's role in shaping the upcoming season.
Mandelbaum expressed excitement and gratitude to join the Southern Miss basketball family, stating that he looks forward to contributing to the program's growth and helping student‑athletes reach their full potential on and off the court.
Mandelbaum’s career includes stints at Chicago State, Alcorn State, Lander University, Tallahassee Community College and UAB, where he contributed to team success and player development. At Chicago State he helped tutor CJ Ray to Third Team All‑NEC honors, and the team posted strong assist‑turnover ratios and free‑throw percentages during his tenure.
His time at Lander University saw the Bearcats qualify for the Peach Belt Conference Tournament, while at Tallahassee Community College the Eagles compiled a 49‑13 record and earned a NJCAA Tournament berth. He was also recognized as one of the '50 most influential coaches in junior college basketball' by Silver Waves Media.
Ladner praised Mandelbaum, calling him one of the top young assistants in the country and a valuable addition to the staff. "Ben brings a wealth of experience and a proven ability to develop talent," Ladner said, emphasizing the strategic fit of the new hire.
Mandelbaum holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota and a master’s in kinesiology. He previously served as a varsity assistant coach and junior varsity head coach at Stillwater High School before pursuing graduate studies.
The hiring underscores Southern Miss’s commitment to building a competitive program that can contend in the Sun Belt Conference. With Mandelbaum’s background in player development and program building, the Golden Eagles aim to enhance their recruiting reach and on‑court performance in the coming seasons.