Jalen Patton graduated from the University of North Alabama (UNA) with a bachelor’s degree in Sport & Recreation Management on August 1, 2024. Only 18 days later, he had a new gig.
Patton, a Fayette, Ala., native, and former student manager for the UNA basketball team, was recently named the Lions’ Director of Basketball operations by head coach Tony Pujol.
“We are excited to elevate Jalen going into the 2024-25 season,” said Pujol. “Jalen has been with our program for over four years. He has grown from a student manager to head manager, UNA graduate and now, Director of Basketball Operations.”
For the last four years, Patton has assisted with team operations, including film, equipment, practice statistics, and meals, and has performed other duties as needed. Now, he enhances that role to an even-higher degree.
“I am extremely blessed and humbled by this opportunity,” Patton said. “First and foremost, I want to say thank you to Coach Pujol and the staff for believing in me. I am excited to work with our student-athletes and coaching staff as we continue to build a successful program and compete in the ASUN. Roar Lions!”
The Lions face a tough test to open the 2024-25 season when they travel to USAF, Colorado, to face Air Force on Monday, Nov. 4 at 8:30 p.m. To ramp up for the season, UNA will host “Purple Pandemonium” on Thursday, Oct. 10 during Homecoming inside CB&S Bank Arena in Florence, Ala. The event is free and open to the public. The Lions will also travel to Atlantic Sun (ASUN) Media Day in Charlotte, N.C. on October 14.
Overall, Pujol had high praise for his new staffer. “(Jalen) is the epitome of what we want young men in our program to aspire to be — high character individuals who work hard and become men of value in our program and community. Jalen has earned this position, and we’re excited for him to impact our student-athletes, program, and university.” TG
