(Editor's note: Montana State University media release)
BOZEMAN – Montana State head women’s basketball coach Tricia Binford has had a busy month searching for two assistant coaches following the departures of Julian Assibey (Florida) and Kati Mobley (Bozeman HS).
Binford, who led Montana State to the 2019-20 Big Sky Conference regular-season title and garnered BSC Coach of the Year honors, announced Friday morning that Geoff Golden, who served as an academy coach and consultant at BK RIG Mark in Kinna, Sweden last winter, and founded the BC Denver Basketball Club, will join the MSU women’s basketball coaching staff.
“I have known and worked with Geoff for over a decade recruiting from his AAU program and have always respected him as a teacher and mentor of his student-athletes,” Binford said. “Geoff is a tireless worker and a professional. He built the prestigious BC Denver program from the ground up and has a tremendous reputation in player development. He brings an incredible background in the game of basketball having trained and coached both collegiate and professional athletes as well as teams.”
Golden built his career as a teacher, trainer and developer of amateur and professional basketball athletes for 18 years as founder and director of Geoff Golden Basketball Academy and BC Denver Basketball Club. During that time, he built a strong reputation as a top player development specialist and college recruiting expert with clientele represented in basketball leagues worldwide including the NBA, WNBA, NCAA, EuroLeague, and NBA Development League.
“I am honored and extremely grateful for the opportunity to join the Montana State women’s basketball family,” Golden said. “I have tremendous respect for Coach Binford and the championship caliber program she has built at MSU. My family and I are beyond excited to experience such a wonderful University, first class athletic department and the opportunity to make the Bozeman community our new home.
“Most importantly, I’m ecstatic about the opportunity to work with this special group of student-athletes who fill our roster,” Golden added. “I look forward to helping them maximize their potential on the court, in the classroom and as young women. The experience and leadership in the returning core combined with an exceptionally talented freshmen class make for exciting times and a bright future.”
In 2010, Golden founded Basketball Club Denver (BC Denver). In ten years, BC Denver earned a strong national reputation and is considered a top developmental basketball academy in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region. In 2018 BC Denver was selected as one of 36 programs nationwide to become a charter member of the inaugural Girls Under Armour Association. As of 2019, BC Denver has assisted in the development and consultation of 80+ athletes who have committed to continuing their education and basketball career on the collegiate level.
“Geoff’s philosophy as teacher and mentor are a natural fit with who we are as a program and we are thrilled that he, Brandi, and kids Avery and Langston, are joining our Bobcat family,” Binford stated. “Geoff brings instant credibility to recruiting both in the northwest and internationally having coached in Sweden. We know he will help us continue to reach new heights as a program. He will also oversee forward and post player development.”
Prior to Geoff Golden Basketball and BC Denver, he spent a year as the player development coach for the Colorado 14ers of the NBA Development League and four seasons coaching high school boys’ basketball at Broomfield High School and Legacy High School in Broomfield, Colo.
As a player, Golden was a two-time all-state point guard at Durant (Okla.) High School. As a senior, he led the state in scoring and free three percentage while being named the top college point guard prospect in the state by USA Today. He earned a scholarship to play at Texas State in San Marcos, Texas. Golden helped the Bobcats to the 1997 Southland Conference Championship and a berth to the 1997 NCAA Tournament.
"The opportunity to work alongside such an amazing staff is truly a privilege,” Golden stated. “Tricia and Sunny (Smallwood) are simply as good as it gets in college basketball, Blaire (Braxton) is coming off a tremendous career and record-breaking season as a Bobcat and Jason (Alvine) is the behind-the-scenes glue that holds it all together. It just doesn’t get any better."
Golden’s responsibilities will include recruiting, forward/post development, serving as assistant offensive coordinator, social media and Bobcat camps. He will begin his duties in mid-June
He and his wife Brandi have two children, Avery (14) and Langston (11).
