The thing that is good about all this is that they see the potential and what this program can be and are going to make it happen. The recruits are going to feel it when they hit the streets next year and beyond.

Doherty Completes Coaching Staff
Mike Balado joins Owls as an assistant coach.

June 16, 2005

BOCA RATON, FL - Florida Atlantic University men's basketball head coach Matt Doherty has announced the hiring of Mike Balado as Assistant Coach. Balado comes to FAU after serving in a similar role at Miami Dade College. The addition of Balado completes Doherty's coaching staff.

"We are thrilled to announce the hiring of Mike Balado," said Doherty. "It was important for us to hire someone from South Florida. We want to show a commitment to this region and to let people know that recruiting South Florida is a priority to FAU."

"Mike grew up in Miami and has worked for Butch Estes at Miami Dade College," added Doherty. "Coach Estes is a terrific coach and a friend of mine. He thinks the world of Mike and feels he will be a great fit for our staff. We look forward to Coach Balado's arrival."

Balado spent the past two years as an assistant at MDC where he helped lead the Sharks to winning seasons. Among his responsibilities was coordinating recruiting, scouting, travel, and player academics. He also assisted with scheduling and budgeting.

"I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to work for Coach Doherty," said Balado. "He brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to FAU. The future looks bright for this university's basketball program, and I am thrilled to be a part of it."

In 2003-04, MDC posted a 17-13 record before going 27-5 last season on its way to winning the Southern Conference Championship. MDC was ranked among the top-three in the state during the 2004-05 campaign. The 27-5 mark was the best in school history. Balado recruited four of MDC's all-conference selections a year ago, including the player-of-the-year.

Prior to MDC, Balado was an assistant coach at Nova Southeastern University for the 2002-03 season where his responsibilities mirrored those at MDC.

From 2000 to 2002, Balado was an assistant coach and health instructor at Miami Southridge High School. The 200-01 made its first-ever Regional Final appearance and advanced to the Florida State Tournament. In 2001-02, Southridge won the District regular season championship.

Balado's collegiate coaching experience began at Augusta State University, where he served as a graduate assistant coach from 1998 to 2000.

The Miami native played collegiately at St. Thomas University in Miami where he was a two-year starter and captain. He earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology from St. Thomas in 1998. He received a master's of education in Exercise and Sports Science from Augusta State in 2000.

Since Doherty took over at FAU on April 18, he has signed four players and hired four staff members. Rex Walters joined the staff at the same time as Doherty, while James Stafford was added earlier in the week. In addition, Doherty has also appointed Malcolm Farmer as Director of Operations.

this guy is a stud.