Western Carolina University announced this week that AJ Stroop has been elevated to a full‑time assistant coach, a move that underscores the program’s confidence in his ability to shape the next era of Catamount basketball.
A Strategic Addition for the Program
Stroop spent the last two seasons as a graduate assistant, where he helped coordinate player development, recruiting pipelines and day‑to‑day operations. His hands‑on approach was evident in the way he worked with the roster, guiding newcomers and refining the team’s tactical identity.
During that period he left a measurable imprint on several standout players. Bernard Pelote emerged as a reliable scorer, averaging 14.2 points per game in his senior year, while Marcus Kell’s 13.6 points per outing earned him two SoCon Player of the Week honors. Samuel Dada anchored the paint with a team‑high 235 rebounds, and Tidjiane Dioumassi added depth in the frontcourt.
Stroop’s coaching journey began at Geneva College, where he honed his craft as a four‑year standout before moving into program development roles. Prior to joining Western Carolina, he served as director of Basketball Programming for Elite Athletics, a position that broadened his network and sharpened his recruiting acumen.
The upcoming 2026‑27 season promises a blend of experience and fresh talent. The Catamounts will return key contributors while welcoming eleven newcomers — seven transfers and four freshmen — who will look to build on the foundation laid by Stroop and the coaching staff.
Fans can stay connected through social media platforms and the CatamountSports.com portal, where updates, game recaps and behind‑the‑scenes insights will be shared throughout the campaign.