St. Olaf College announced this week that Jon Kreidler will join the men’s basketball program as a full‑time assistant coach, marking the first major addition to the staff under first‑year head coach John Cheng. The hiring underscores the program’s intent to build on recent momentum and to deepen its analytical and developmental capabilities.
A Coach With Proven Track Record
Kreidler arrives after three seasons at Carroll University, where he progressed from graduate assistant to assistant coach and ultimately to director of basketball operations. During his tenure the Pioneers earned two CCIW Tournament berths and produced two Second Team All‑CCIW selections along with four Academic All‑CCIW honorees.
He was instrumental in designing in‑season player development workouts, overseeing the team’s analytics and statistics, and serving as the assistant recruiting coordinator and varsity reserve head coach. His hands‑on involvement spanned every facet of the program, from scouting opponents to managing roster logistics.
Kreidler’s first day at St. Olaf will be July 1, and he will bring a blend of operational expertise and player‑focused coaching to the Oles. His background in data‑driven decision making is expected to complement Cheng’s vision for a more dynamic and strategically informed team.
What This Means for the Program
The addition of Kreidler is being welcomed by both players and staff, who anticipate that his experience in player development and recruitment will help the program attract talent that fits the Oles’ competitive ethos. By integrating advanced analytics into practice routines, the coaching staff hopes to fine‑tune game strategies and improve overall efficiency.