Head Coach
Clifford Johnson
Program contact: Khristian Smith, Associate Head Coach
khristian.smith@miamioh.edu
Verified 2026-08-02 from the program's own staff page.
Coach data is provided for recruiting research and should be confirmed with the official athletics website before contact.
Basketball Staff Contacts
Verified 2026-08-02 from this program's own staff page. Staff change during the recruiting cycle, so confirm before sending outreach.
| Name | Role | |
|---|---|---|
| Khristian Smith | Associate Head Coach | khristian.smith@miamioh.edu |
| Ben Botts | Assistant Coach | bottsb@miamioh.edu |
| Andrew Dakich | Assistant Coach | dakicha@miamioh.edu |
| Carl Richburg | Assistant Coach | carl.richburg@miamioh.edu |
| Dan Luers | Graduate Assistant | luersdm@miamioh.edu |
| Emily Bruns | Basketball Staff | brunsec@miamioh.edu |
| Chris Elmore | Basketball Staff | elmorecj@miamioh.edu |
About Miami University Middletown Basketball
The USCAA Ohio Athletic Conference operates differently than most regional leagues, it's built around mid-sized institutions prioritizing accessibility and player development over raw athleticism alone. Miami University Middletown fits that philosophy perfectly, and head coach Clifford Johnson has shaped a program that values basketball IQ and coachability as much as scoring ability. What sets this program apart is its genuine commitment to the student-athlete balance. Middletown's smaller enrollment means less anonymous competition for playing time and more direct feedback from coaching staff. Johnson runs a system that rewards fundamentals and floor awareness, so guards who can move the ball and forwards who understand spacing will find clear roles. The Ohio Athletic Conference has some competitive programs, but it's not a league where you're competing against five-star talent every night, it's where consistent effort actually translates to minutes. The campus culture emphasizes connection between coaches and players. You won't get lost in a massive roster here. That said, this program expects maturity. Players who need constant motivation or struggle with structure should look elsewhere. Middletown attracts student-athletes ready to improve within a specific system rather than those seeking individual spotlight. If you're looking for a USCAA program where coaching feedback is personal and your development matters, this is worth serious consideration. The recruiting process rewards players who can demonstrate consistent growth and readiness. Florida Coastal Prep's training environment in Fort Walton Beach, FL is designed to produce exactly that profile. Explore the program at floridacoastalprep.com.
What Recruits Should Know About Targeting Miami University Middletown
USCAA coaches build rosters through consistent evaluation of film, in-person scouting at exposure events, and referrals from trusted coaching networks. Getting on Miami University Middletown's radar requires more than sending a generic email. It means having your film, eligibility paperwork, and academic transcripts ready before you make first contact.
Players who receive roster consideration at the USCAA level demonstrate improvement over time, not just raw talent at a single event. A structured development program that tracks your progress and connects you with the right coaches can significantly accelerate your recruiting timeline.
Strength and Conditioning for the USCAA Level
Body development is one of the most overlooked factors in college recruiting. USCAA coaches won't offer a player whose physical profile can't hold up to a 30-game college season. FCP's post-graduate program includes a dedicated strength and conditioning track that prepares players for the physical demands of college basketball, and shows up on film in ways that matter to coaches at programs like Miami University Middletown.
Our Spartan Training Center gives players access to professional-grade facilities and programming designed specifically for basketball performance at the college level. Apply to FCP and start building the physical foundation Miami University Middletown's coaches want to see.
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 Miami University Middletown.
Miami University Middletown Is Within Reach: If You're Ready
The difference between a player who gets offered by a USCAA program and one who doesn't often comes down to timing and preparation. FCP prepares athletes for the moment when Miami University Middletown's coaches are ready to evaluate, so you don't miss your window.
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.