Head Coach
Ja Havens
Coach data is provided for recruiting research and should be confirmed with the official athletics website before contact.
Basketball Staff Contacts
Verified 2026-08-15 from this program's own staff page. Staff change during the recruiting cycle, so confirm before sending outreach.
| Name | Role | |
|---|---|---|
| Ja Havens | Head Coach | havens03@nsuok.edu |
| Jacob Rueter | Assistant Coach | rueter@nsuok.edu |
| Beau Beathard | Strength and Conditioning Coach | beathard@nsuok.edu |
| Kyrsten Wolgast | Assistant Athletic Trainer | wolgastk@nsuok.edu |
About Northeastern State University Basketball
Northeastern State basketball is a Division II program that values development over hype. Under head coach Ja Havens, the RiverHawks compete in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association and focus on building players who can contribute immediately and grow over their careers. This isn't a stepping stone program, it's a place where consistent effort translates into meaningful minutes and real impact on the court. The program suits players who understand what Division II basketball demands: toughness, coachability, and a genuine commitment to improvement. You'll find honest feedback about your game, competition that pushes you to compete, and coaches who invest in your development both athletically and academically. Tahlequah offers a manageable college town environment where basketball isn't overshadowed by other priorities, allowing the program to maintain strong team culture. NSU attracts players seeking clarity about their role and opportunity to prove themselves. Ja Havens builds rosters with intentionality, and playing time goes to those who earn it through work and production. If you're looking for a program that doesn't overpromise or underdeliver, this is worth serious consideration. You'll graduate with a degree, basketball experience that means something, and a clear sense of what you accomplished. Coaches recruiting for programs like this one look for players who've been developed in serious environments. Florida Coastal Prep in Fort Walton Beach, FL prepares post-grad and high school athletes for exactly these conversations. Learn more at floridacoastalprep.com.
D2 programs offer a compelling combination of competitive basketball and strong academics. Understanding the differences between D1, D2, and D3 helps you target the right fit, and coaches at this level respond well to personalized outreach using the right email approach.
What Recruits Should Know About Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Recruiting
D2 programs in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association offer a balance of competitive basketball and academic opportunity. Coaches at this level recruit both locally and nationally, and they move quickly on players they evaluate. NCAA D2 athletic scholarships can be partial or full, and many programs package financial aid to make attendance financially feasible.
The D2 recruiting calendar runs parallel to D1 but with more flexibility. Northeastern State University coaching staff evaluates prospects at regional and national tournaments, and they respond well to direct contact from players who have done their research on the program. Make sure your NCAA Eligibility Center account is active and your academic records are current before reaching out.
Mental Toughness and Eligibility Guidance for D2 Recruiting
The recruiting process tests players mentally before they ever step on a college campus. Delayed responses from coaches, eligibility surprises, and the pressure of high-stakes showcases all challenge recruits in ways that go beyond the physical game. FCP's post-graduate program prepares players for the mental demands of recruiting at the D2 level, including how to handle rejection, stay focused during uncertainty, and communicate professionally with coaching staffs like Northeastern State University's.
We provide eligibility guidance, recruiting strategy sessions, and the mental skills training that separates players who sign from those who stall out during the process. Apply to FCP to get the full support system behind your recruitment.
Whether you're a current high school player exploring options through our high school program or a graduate looking for a post-grad year, FCP provides the coaching, competition, and college placement support to help you reach programs like Northeastern State University.
FCP Has Helped Players Reach Every Level, Including D2
Our track record of placing players at D2 programs is built one athlete at a time. FCP alumni compete across the country at programs with the same standards as Northeastern State University. Your path starts with applying and committing to the process.
Coaching contacts compiled by the FCP recruiting staff. Cost and graduation figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, retrieved 2026-08-13.