Basketball Staff Contacts
Loading staff directory…
About University of Montana Western Basketball
At Montana Western, basketball is built on relationships. Head coach Mike Larsen prioritizes knowing his players—their goals, their backgrounds, their character—and creates an environment where that personal connection translates into development on and off the court. In the Frontier Conference, you'll compete against schools that take NAIA basketball seriously, but what sets the Bulldog program apart is the accessibility and investment you receive as a student-athlete. The small-school advantage means you're not a number in a large system. Coaches know you, support you through academic challenges, and genuinely care about your trajectory beyond basketball. Your contributions matter immediately. Dillon offers a tight-knit community where athletes are valued on campus, and that sense of belonging extends into how the team operates—built on accountability, trust, and mutual respect. This program develops players who understand that college basketball is about growth: skill improvement, basketball IQ, mental toughness, and becoming a reliable teammate. Larsen's approach emphasizes the fundamentals and the culture you help build. If you're looking for a place where coaching is personal, where your development is the priority, and where you'll play meaningful minutes while earning a degree in a supportive setting, Montana Western offers exactly that. 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.
NAIA programs can offer scholarships and a high level of competition in a smaller-school environment. Learn about NAIA basketball scholarships and how this division compares to JUCO options before finalizing your recruiting list.
What Recruits Should Know About NAIA Basketball
The Frontier Conference operates within the NAIA, where scholarship opportunities exist but recruiting timelines and standards differ from NCAA programs. NAIA coaches recruit primarily through direct outreach, exposure events, and coach-to-coach referrals. Academic requirements are governed by the NAIA Eligibility Center — a separate process from the NCAA.
University of Montana Western and its Frontier Conference peers offer full and partial scholarships to players who fit their system. Smaller rosters mean more playing time for the right player, and NAIA programs regularly produce players who transfer up to D2 and D1. Getting evaluated starts with sending updated film and a clear academic transcript directly to the coaching staff.
Mental Toughness and Eligibility Guidance for NAIA 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 NAIA level — including how to handle rejection, stay focused during uncertainty, and communicate professionally with coaching staffs like University of Montana Western'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 University of Montana Western.
FCP Has Helped Players Reach Every Level, Including NAIA
Our track record of placing players at NAIA programs is built one athlete at a time. FCP alumni compete across the country at programs with the same standards as University of Montana Western. Your path starts with applying and committing to the process.
Research compiled by the FCP recruiting staff · Last updated April 2026