Ben Davis was hired to head the Prairie Fire men’s basketball program in April 2019. In his first season at the helm, he led the Prairie Fire to a 9-16 record which was an 8-win improvement from the previous season. The team had their first MWC All-Conference player in over a decade and had a number of impressive wins in Midwest Conference play.
What is your favorite Knox memory?
My two favorite memories in my year at Knox have been meeting Harley Knosher for the first time and our win at home last year against Monmouth.
What do you love most about your job?
Getting to know our players and watching them grow from year to year. It’s rewarding to see their hard work pay off throughout their collegiate career and then apply that work ethic and what they’ve learned to life after college.
How has your experience coaching/ job changed over time?
When I first got into coaching I put a lot of my focus on coaching the game of basketball, the x’s and o’s, and winning games. I realize more each year that being a great coach is more about building leadership, work ethic, trust, and confidence within your players which prepares them for life after college through the game of basketball. As a coach, when you are successful at that you typically end up winning a lot of games in the process.
Why did you choose Knox?
I wanted to be at a high academic college that also placed a high value on athletics. Through the application process I learned that Knox was the perfect fit. My wife and I also wanted to be back in the Midwest where both of our families live. I also loved the idea of rebuilding a program that has struggled recently.
If you could coach any sport (that you do not already coach) what would it be? (does not have to be a sport at Knox)
Cross Country. At my previous college I was also the head men’s & women’s Cross Country coach and really enjoyed it. It is a completely different sport than basketball and I miss running with the team every fall.
What is one tip you would give an incoming FY?
In college, time management is extremely important (especially to student-athletes). I would highly recommend sitting down every night for a few minutes and plan out what you need to get done tomorrow and how you are going to get it done. Also plan some time for yourself each day. The other advice I have is to step out of your comfort zone and meet with as many people as you can.
