Appalachian State University announced Tuesday that AJ Clark will join the Mountaineers' men's basketball staff as an assistant coach for the upcoming 2026‑27 season.
Clark arrives after a productive stint at Eastern Kentucky, where he helped the Colonels secure 18 wins, including 12 in conference play, and climb to the top of several offensive metrics.
During his tenure, Clark played a key role in the development of all‑conference forward Montavious Myrick and guard Turner Buttry, the latter of whom ranked tenth nationally in free‑throw percentage.
His expertise in recruiting, player development and game preparation was on full display as the Colonels improved their bench production and three‑point shooting, statistics that ranked among the nation's best.
Before Eastern Kentucky, Clark honed his coaching philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, Georgia Southwestern State University and Young Harris College, each stop adding layers to his instructional repertoire.
A native of North Carolina, Clark began his collegiate career at Pfeiffer University, where he earned All‑America honors in 2017, captained the team for four seasons and led the program to a conference championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance.
He holds a bachelor's degree in sport management from Pfeiffer (2016) and a master's degree in sport management from West Georgia (2022), credentials that reflect his commitment to both the athletic and academic sides of the game.
A Coach With a Champion's Mindset
The university's athletic leadership highlighted Clark's background in developing talent and his deep connections within North Carolina, positioning him as a natural fit for the Mountaineers' future.
Clark's appointment underscores Appalachian State's commitment to building a competitive program that leverages experienced coaching talent while continuing to nurture home‑grown players.