Appalachian State University announced Tuesday that AJ Clark will join the Mountaineers’ men’s basketball staff as an assistant coach for the 2026‑27 season. The move brings a proven winner to Boone, where Clark will help shape the next generation of players.
Clark arrives after a productive stint at Eastern Kentucky, where he helped the Colonels secure 18 victories in the 2024‑25 campaign, including 12 wins in conference play. Under his guidance the team ranked near the top nationally in offensive rebounding, bench scoring and three‑point shooting, while developing all‑conference forward Montavious Myrick and guard Turner Buttry.
A Coaching Journey Built on Excellence
Before Eastern Kentucky, Clark served two seasons as an assistant at Palm Beach Atlantic University, then spent three years at Georgia Southwestern State University where he wore multiple hats, including defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator. He began his collegiate coaching career at Young Harris College during the 2019‑20 season, gaining early experience that would later fuel his rise.
Clark’s playing days at Pfeiffer University laid the foundation for his basketball IQ. As a four‑year captain he earned All‑America honors in 2017, led his team to a conference championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance, and was named Conference Carolinas Player of the Year after averaging more than 21 points per game.
Off the court, Clark holds a bachelor’s degree in sport management from Pfeiffer (2016) and a master’s degree in sport management from West Georgia (2022). His blend of playing acumen, coaching versatility and academic background positions him as a valuable asset for Appalachian State’s program.
The hiring of Clark signals the Mountaineers’ commitment to elevating their competitive edge. With his proven track record of player development and team success, he is expected to contribute immediately to recruiting, strategy and on‑court performance as the team looks toward a promising future.