EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball announced the hiring of Jon Aldridge as an assistant coach. Aldridge replaces Kevin Gant, who accepted the head coaching position at North Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“USI is grateful for all that Jon does for our program,” said USI Head Coach Stan Gouard. “Jon’s been incredibly impactful and has worn many hats throughout the years that goes unnoticed, yet are critical to the success of our program.
“We couldn’t be happier to see him rewarded for his efforts over the past four years as my graduate assistant,” continued Gouard. “I’ve watched Jon as a student, a graduate assistant, and he always had a tremendous work ethic.”
Aldridge came to USI in 2020-21 after serving on Gouard’s staff at the University of Indianapolis as a graduate assistant in 2019-20 and after a two-year stint as an assistant coach at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa.
Aldridge’s first year at USI saw the Eagles would conclude the year with a 12-5 season and an appearance in the NCAA II Midwest Regional that was hosted at the Ford Center and included a first round win over Lewis University. USI also placed third seed in the GLVC point standings after producing an 11-4 league mark.
During his time at the University of Indianapolis, Aldridge assisted the UIndy Greyhounds to a 24-6 overall record; a second-place finish in the GLVC Point Ratings; a third place showing in the GLVC standings with a 15-5 league mark; and a number one seeding in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional. Aldridge and UIndy were set to host the 2020 NCAA II Midwest Regional until it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As an assistant coach at Loras, Aldridge and the Duhawks posted a combined record of 42-14 with two postseason appearances including an NCAA National Tournament run to the Sweet Sixteen during the 2018-19 season. The Duhawks ranked as high as 16th in the NCAA Division III national rankings and earned victories over the number one, three, and 15 nationally ranked teams.
In 2018, Aldridge was one of 30 college coaches from Division I-III selected to participate in the inaugural NCAA College Coaches Academy. The academy aims to grow proficiency in all areas of becoming a collegiate head coach.
Prior to Loras, Aldridge served three seasons as an assistant coach at Park Tudor High School in Indianapolis. Aldridge helped the Panthers to a 62-14 record and a 23-1 conference record over his time at Park Tudor. The Panthers were ranked top 10 in the state each season, while securing three conference titles and the program’s second pair of back-to-back Indiana 2A State Championships.
A graduate from the University of Indianapolis with a bachelor’s of science in exercise science, Aldridge completed his undergraduate degree with an internship at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Aldridge will be completing his master’s degree in the sports management program during his time as the graduate assistant coach.
