Hancock Stadium | Illinois State University Athletics
Hancock Stadium | Illinois State University Athletics
Illinois State University has announced the addition of Mike Netti to its men's basketball coaching staff for the 2025-26 season. Head coach Ryan Pedon expressed his enthusiasm about welcoming Netti, highlighting their previous collaboration at Ohio State.
Netti shared his excitement about joining Illinois State, stating, "I am extremely excited to reconnect with Coach Pedon, and to be a part of the Illinois State University community." He emphasized his alignment with Pedon's approach to player investment and relationship building.
Netti's career includes a recent tenure as an assistant coach at Ohio State under Chris Holtmann from 2022-24. He also served as a special assistant with the Buckeyes from 2017-2022. His experience extends to East Carolina, where he was an assistant coach from 2013-17 under Jeff Lebo, and Gardner-Webb from 2010-13 alongside Holtmann.
Reflecting on his new role, Netti stated, "We have a bright staff with tremendous character and basketball knowledge... This is an exciting time to be part of Illinois State basketball."
Pedon praised Netti's credentials: "He is a very talented coach, a relentless worker, and a man of high character." He welcomed Netti along with his family—wife Natalie and children Ryan and Emily—to Bloomington/Normal.
Netti began his coaching career at Lackawanna College before moving on to positions at Gardner-Webb and St. Francis (Brooklyn). He played college basketball at Alvernia before completing his degree at Syracuse.
The announcement underscores Illinois State's commitment to enhancing its basketball program through experienced leadership.
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