Faragi Phillips
Olive Branch,MS
Summary
Results-driven basketball coach with extensive experience in team building, leadership with a commitment to excellence through a strong work ethic in the lives of young people while nurturing their personal growth.
Devoted to preparing young people to thrive and live a life of purpose and meaning.
Committed to implementing strategic initiatives that enhance team performance, foster personal development, and build strong relationships within the institution and community.
Dedicated to fostering an environment where young people can flourish through open communication, mutual respect, and self-worth.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Coach Men's Basketball
LeMoyne Owen College
Memphis, TN
05.2025 - Current
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance athlete performance and skills.
- Coordinated team strategies and game plans to optimize competitive advantages during matches.
- Mentored coaching staff, fostering professional growth and collaboration within the department.
- In 2025, secured program's best season in the past three years while re-establishing themselves as a competitive force within the conference (17 wins - 13 losses)
- Ranking 45th nationally and third in the SIAC conference in bench points per game,
- 2nd Team All-Conference Player and Freshmen Team All-Conference Player
Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN
06.2022 - 08.2024
- Assigned duties as directed by the Southeastern Conference (AAC), with special emphasis in the areas of: on-court coaching, player development, skill development, game planning, scouting, recruiting, video editing and academics.
- The 2022-23 claim the program's first AAC crown and earn a trip to the NCAA Tournament (8th Seed).
- In 2023 - 2024 Season, earned a Top 10 AP Ranking.
- 10-3 in non-conference slate, highlighted by six wins over Power Five programs and four against SEC programs.
- Earned the No. 2 seed in the AAC tournament, led by a pair of All-Conference first teamers in Kendric Davis and DeAndre Williams.
- Defeated #1 ranked Houston Cougars, marking the first AAC tournament championship for Memphis and the first time in program history the Tigers have knocked off the nation's top-ranked team.
- Earned the No. 8 seed in the East Region of 2023 NCAA Tournament.
- Helped develop All-American Kendric Davis who led the AAC in scoring (21.9) and tops in assists (5.4).
- In 2023-24 season, won 20-plus games for the second straight season as an assistant.
- The 22 win season in 2023-24, is tied for the 7th-most in the program's single-season history.
- Phillips assisted in the in the development of David Jones, who scored 698 points this season, which currently ranks eighth on the all-time single-season scoring list.
- David Jones earned All-AAC First Team honors
- David Jones averaged 21.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game.
- David Jones league leader in scoring and total field goal makes (215), while ranking second in steals per game, free throws made (169) and double-doubles (10).
Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
05.2019 - 08.2021
- Assigned duties as directed by the Southeastern Conference (SEC), with special emphasis in the areas of: on-court coaching, player development, skill development, game planning, scouting, recruiting, video editing and academics.
- Assisted with player development initiatives, resulting in multiple athletes being drafted into the NBA, including Aaron Nesmith and Saben Lee and current Memphis Grizzlies player Scotty Pippen, Jr.
- Managed recruitment processes, effectively communicating the program's vision to prospective athletes and their families, enhancing the team's competitive edge.
- Collaborated with coaching staff to implement innovative strategies for on-court and off-court success and player engagement and personal development.
Head Boys Basketball Coach
Memphis Whitehaven High School
Memphis, TN
05.2015 - 05.2019
- Revitalized a struggling program, implementing structured training regimens that led to an overall record of 92-30 and multiple Substate Championships, District Championships and the school’s first TSSAA state tournament appearance in 33 years in 2018 and 2019.
- Fostered a culture of academic excellence and character development, achieving an average team GPA of 3.0 over a four span.
- Established clear communication channels with players, school administration and staff to ensure alignment on goals and expectations.
Head Boys Basketball Coach
Memphis Mitchell High School
Memphis, TN
05.2011 - 05.2015
- Managed a highly successful program with an overall record of 108-29, leading the team to back to back state championships (2014 & 2015 and four consecutive TSSAA state tournament appearances.
- Developed strategic plans to enhance player skills and team dynamics, resulting in significant improvements in performance metrics.
- Maintained open lines of communication with parents and the community to build strong support networks for the program.
Head Boys Basketball Coach
Memphis Ridgeway Middle School
Memphis, TN
06.2007 - 05.2011
- Achieved an impressive overall record of 85-20, culminating in the school’s first TSSAA Middle School State Championship in 2014.
- Implemented effective project management practices to coordinate training sessions and competitions, ensuring all logistical aspects were addressed.
- Prioritized character development and academic support, resulting in an average team GPA of 3.3.
Education
University of Memphis
Memphis, TNundefined
Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TNBachelor of Arts - Mass Communication
Mississippi Valley State University
Itta Bena05-1999
HS Diploma - Mass Communication
Grenada High School
Grenada, MS05-1994
Skills
- Leadership & Team Management
- Project Management & Strategic Planning
- Effective Communication & Relationship Building
- Game Strategy & Performance Analysis
- Scouting & Recruitment
- Player evaluation
- Offensive and defensive strategy
- Motivational skills
- Team bonding
- Strategic planning
- Staff development
- Game strategy planning
Accomplishments
- Ranked Top 10 in Scoring Defense in NCAA DII
- Ranked Top 25 in Forced Turnovers in NCAA DII
- 17-win Season in 1st Year in LOC (14 SIAC Conference Wins)
- 2018 TSSAA Class AAA State Championship - Runner-Up
- TSSAA Coach of the Year in 2015.
- 2014 & 2015 TSSAA Class A State Champions
- 2012 Class AA State Championship - Runner-Up
- Developed numerous athletes who achieved collegiate and professional success, underscoring a commitment to player development.
- Recognized for fostering academic excellence among student-athletes, ensuring a well-rounded approach to coaching and personal growth.
Timeline
Head Coach Men's Basketball
LeMoyne Owen College
05.2025 - Current
Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
University of Memphis
06.2022 - 08.2024
Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
Vanderbilt University
05.2019 - 08.2021
Head Boys Basketball Coach
Memphis Whitehaven High School
05.2015 - 05.2019
Head Boys Basketball Coach
Memphis Mitchell High School
05.2011 - 05.2015
Head Boys Basketball Coach
Memphis Ridgeway Middle School
06.2007 - 05.2011
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Christian Brothers University
University of Memphis
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communication
Mississippi Valley State University
HS Diploma - Mass Communication
Grenada High School
Additional Experience
- Lanier Middle School – Basketball Coach/PE Teacher/General Science Teacher 2002-2004
- Levi Elementary – PE Teacher 1999-2002