A Fresh Start in Kansas
Emporia State University announced this week that Justin Tabor will join its basketball staff as an assistant coach, bringing a decade‑plus track record of success at several junior‑college programs.
Tabor’s most recent stop was at UMKC, where he helped the team finish second in the Summit League and contributed to three All‑Conference selections during the 2023‑24 season.
Prior to UMKC, he spent two seasons at Southeastern Community College, guiding the squad to a 41‑12 record, a #7 national ranking in the NJCAA poll and multiple All‑Conference honorees.
His coaching journey also includes championship seasons at Eastern Arizona College, where the team captured the Region I title with a 26‑7 record, and at Coffeyville Community College, which posted a 60‑9 record and reached the Sweet 16 and Final Four under his guidance.
Before moving into full‑time coaching, Tabor served as a graduate assistant and student manager at New Mexico State University, where he was part of 168 wins and numerous tournament appearances.
A native of Santa Clarita, California, Tabor earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from New Mexico State and a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from UMKC.
He played four years at Golden Valley High School before embarking on his coaching career.
Education and Early Roots
Tabor’s academic background blends sports science with administration, reflecting his commitment to both player development and program leadership.