Sidney Ball, a native of Duncanville, Ala., joined Samford’s coaching staff in the summer of 2014 after spending the previous season at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Miss.
After starring at UAB during his playing days from 1999-2004, Ball spent the next nine years working as an academic counselor at Mississippi State, Georgia State and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
Last season, Samford vastly improved under his leadership and registered its best win total in six years, dating back to 2009.
With talented sophomore point guard Christen Cunningham and All-Southern Conference performers Darius Jones-Gibson, Matt Rose and Wyatt Walker leading the way, the Bulldogs opened the season with a brilliant 5-1 record and knocked off Nebraska on the road, 69-58, in Lincoln, Neb.
Samford’s double-digit victory on the road at Nebraska proved to be the school’s first triumph against a Big 10 opponent. Additionally, the Bulldogs finished the 2015-16 season with a solid 10-5 record against non-conference opponents.
A four-year letterwinner at UAB, Ball helped lead his squad to a 22-10 overall record as a senior, as well as a 12-4 mark in Conference USA competition. He also played a key role in the Blazers’ upset of top-seeded Kentucky in the 2004 NCAA Tournament as the Blazers earned a trip to the Sweet 16.
Ball finished his illustrious collegiate career as a two-time captain.
Ball spent six seasons working in UAB’s academic services department following his graduation in 2005. His main responsibilities included tracking the academic progress of the Blazers’ women’s basketball, cross country and track and field teams, as well as assisting with the CHAMPS/Life Skills program.
Prior to joining Mississippi State’s basketball staff as the academic counselor in 2013, Ball spent the previous two years at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Ga., where he was in charge of student-athlete community service for the entire athletic department.
Ball helped organize over 5,000 hours of community service for student-athletes during his time with the Panthers.
While advising the men’s basketball team at Georgia State, Ball helped lead the team to its highest grade-point average in three seasons. His teams also won a number of academic awards.
THE BALL FILE
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2014-present Assistant Coach
Samford University
2013-14 Academic Counselor
Mississippi State University
2011-13 Academic Counselor
Georgia State University
2005-11 Academic Counselor
UAB
PLAYING EXPERIENCE
1999-2004 UAB (2004 Sweet 16 appearance)
EDUCATION
2005 B.S., justice science; minor in community health
UAB
PERSONAL
Hometown Duncanville, Ala.
