When the 2021-22 season begins, Delorian Heard will start his second year as a graduate manager for the Tarleton men’s basketball program.
Heard joined head coach Billy Gillispie’s staff in 2020 following a year-long stint as an assistant basketball coach at Wilmington University. Prior to venturing to Delaware, Heard served as an assistant coach at Camden County College in Blackwood, New Jersey, from 2016-2019.
A native of Detroit, Michigan, Heard leant his efforts to all areas of program operations in Tarleton’s first year at the NCAA Division I level. In a graduate manager role, Heard aided with on-floor coaching during practices and scouting reports and handled day-to-day office tasks alongside Gillispie’s staff.
Heard undertook enhanced roles in his four years as an assistant coach. At both Wilmington and Camden, he assisted with recruiting and prospect evaluations in addition to film breakdown of opponents. Heard also conducted study hall, monitored players’ academic progress, helped oversee the team’s strength and conditioning program and conducted individual workouts. While in Delaware, Heard coached Jermaine Head to first team All-Conference honors at the guard position.
A 2020 graduate of Southern Miss, Heard made his foray to the sideline during a two-year run as a student manager for the Golden Eagles’ men’s basketball program. He transitioned to the bench following a collegiate playing career at Gillette College and Redlands Community College.
He has a son, Xavier, and resides in Stephenville.
