Atlantic 10 Hires Dave Ford to Lead Men's Basketball Operations
A new voice steps into the Atlantic 10 office, bringing a blend of data science and hardwood experience to reshape the conference's future.
The air in Washington hums with the quiet electricity of a transition. Dan Leibovitz, the Atlantic 10 Commissioner, has made his choice, selecting Dave Ford to step into the role of Associate Commissioner for Men’s Basketball. It is a move that signals a shift from tradition to technical precision, a deliberate step forward for the conference.
Ford arrives from the West Coast Conference, where he spent the last three years refining his craft. He was not just an observer; he was the architect behind the scenes, managing the intricate web of scheduling, officiating, and video analysis. His departure leaves a gap in the WCC, but for the A10, it fills a critical need for modern operational leadership.
A Rising Star Forged in College Circles
Leibovitz describes Ford as a rising star, a label earned through years of apprenticeship under giants of the game. He learned the rhythms of the sport under Jay Wright at Villanova, working as a student manager during the four seasons that culminated in a national championship in 2017. The discipline of that era is woven into his professional DNA.
His path continued at the University of Texas, where he spent two years on the staff under Shaka Smart. There, the focus shifted to high-pressure environments and strategic execution. Ford then moved to the University of California, Berkeley, serving as Director of Men’s Basketball Operations and Player Development for four seasons. As chief of staff for Mark Fox, he oversaw the entire operational heartbeat of the program, earning a nomination for the Cal Athletics Emerging Leaders program in 2022.
Data-Driven Strategies for Conference Success
In his recent role with the WCC, Ford moved beyond the traditional administrative duties. He utilized complex models to analyze performance data for both men’s and women’s basketball. This was not mere number-crunching; it was a strategic tool to position the conference for competitive advantage. He implemented bench technology, a subtle but significant upgrade that allows coaches to access real-time insights during the flow of the game.
His work extended to the finer details of the conference experience, from video exchange protocols to the logistics of championship events. By streamlining these operations, Ford helped execute conference-wide initiatives that required both technical savvy and human touch. His approach combines the analytical rigor of a data scientist with the intuition of a veteran coach.
Global Experience Shaping Local Impact
Ford’s resume reaches beyond the American college circuit. He has spent several years with USA Basketball, managing operational responsibilities during FIBA events around the world. This global perspective brings a different level of scrutiny and professionalism to his work. He understands that the game is a global conversation, and the Atlantic 10 must speak its part with clarity and confidence.
A 2017 graduate of Villanova with a degree in psychology, Ford later earned a Master of Education in sport management from Texas in 2019. His education mirrors his career: a deep understanding of the human element combined with the structural demands of professional management. According to GN sports/basketball (en-US), this blend of academic insight and practical experience makes him a unique asset for the conference.
