PUC Men’s Basketball Starts Strong Under New Leadership

Pacific Union College's men's basketball team has turned over a new leaf under the guidance of newly appointed Head Coach Landon Banks. In an exhilirating start to the season, the Pioneers claimed their first conference victory of the year, marking a significant milestone for a program that went winless in conference play last season.

Coach Landon Banks: A History of Success

Coach Landon Banks comes to Pacific Union College with a rich history of rebuilding basketball programs at various levels. Most recently, Banks was Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Canyon View High School in Waddell, AZ. Coach Banks played a key role in leading the team to historic achievements in two years on the job, including the program's first-ever Arizona State 5A Elite 8 and Final Four appearances in 2023 and 2024.

Before joining Canyon View, Coach Banks served as the Head Women's Basketball Coach at Southwestern Adventist University, where he earned Coach of the Year honors in 2020. Before Southwestern, Coach Banks worked as an Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Centennial High School in Peoria, AZ. In 2017, he played an instrumental role in leading the team to its first winning season in 10 years and its second Arizona 5A State Final Four appearance in the school's history.

Coach Banks also served as the Head Women's Basketball Coach and Men's Assistant Basketball Coach at Southwestern Adventist University (Keene, TX) from 2011-2012, where he helped lead the women's team to more wins in his first season than the previous two seasons before his arrival. Coach Banks began his coaching career at Takoma Academy (Takoma Park, MD), where he served as Associate Head Basketball Coach from September 2005 to May 2009. During his time at Takoma Academy, he played a pivotal role in leading the Boys Basketball team to an undefeated MISAL league regular season and an MISAL League Championship in 2007.

Coach Banks' expertise in basketball extends beyond the teams he has coached, as he has gained valuable experience as a coach and counselor at renowned basketball camps, including Jaime Dixon's TCU Basketball Camp, SMU Basketball Camp, Junior NBA clinics, Grand Canyon University Dan Majerle's Basketball Camp, and he also worked as a basketball camp coach under late legendary Basketball Hall of Fame coach Morgan Wootten (DeMatha High, Hyattsville, MD) in the mid-90s.

Coach Banks has a passion for developing athletes on and off the court. Coach Banks brings invaluable knowledge, experience, and mentorship to Pacific Union College's basketball program. His commitment to excellence and his focus on both athletic and personal growth make him a vital member of the school's athletic staff.

A Bright Future Ahead

The Pioneers' victory not only sets the tone for the rest of the season but also reflects the hard work and strategic vision Coach Banks has already instilled in his players. With his proven history of success and his dedication to the growth of his athletes, the future of PUC men's basketball looks brighter than ever.

Story by: Kenneth Perez