Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

SOUTH POINT — If anything, Travis Wise is patient.

The former South Point basketball player has spent the past 13 years as an assistant coach in the program. Now, with the retirement of Chris Barnes, Wise will finally get his chance as the Pointers’ head coach.

Wise is confident he can succeed.

“I think I am ready. It was a long time coming. I got my degree to get this opportunity. I want to give it a shot,” said Wise. “When Chris retired it kind of fell in my hands. I’m kind of fortunate.”

The Pointers won the Ohio Valley Conference last season but lost all five starters. Wise knows he has an uphill battle.

“It’s going to be tough. We have young kids and they are going to be asked to do stuff they’re not ready to do. They’ll work into it,” said Wise.

“These kids don’t have any experience We’re going from wining the league to sophomore and juniors who haven’t had any experience. It’s going to be a growing season.”

However, having been a coach in the program for so long, Wise is familiar with all the players and it should help with the transition.

“I think it will help a bunch. I’ve coached those kids and I know those kids. Those kids playing for me know what to expect from me and I know their strengths and weaknesses. It’s hand in hand. They know me and I know them,” said Wise.

“Instead of going to another outsider (as the head coach) who they aren’t familiar with, they will play for someone you know.”

Wise has been coaching at the junior high level for 12 years and he also spent one season at the high school under current Ironton head coach Mark LaFon.

Wise played at South Point and graduated in 1992. He named Zach Jenkins and Drew Lynd as assistant coaches.