DENVER – MSU Denver Athletics and head men's basketball coach Dan Ficke have announced the hiring of former Roadrunner standout KJ Garrett as an assistant coach ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Garrett returns to Denver after concluding his collegiate playing career with the Roadrunners (2023-25), where he established himself as a leader both on and off the court. A team captain during his senior season, Garrett now transitions into coaching after gaining valuable experience at the high school level while continuing to develop his passion for mentoring student-athletes.

Following his graduation from MSU Denver with a degree in Sport Management, Garrett joined the coaching staff at T.W. Andrews High School in High Point, North Carolina. In his first season as an assistant coach, he helped guide the program to a historic campaign that included the school's first 20-win season, its first conference championship in a decade, and its first Sweet 16 appearance. His responsibilities included player development, film breakdown, practice planning and overseeing individual workouts.

In addition to coaching, Garrett has served as the Assistant Operations Manager Intern at RISE Indoor Sports in Bermuda Run, North Carolina, where he has worked alongside senior leadership in facility operations, tournament management, scheduling, sponsor relations and customer service. 

Garrett is already a familiar face within the MSU Denver program after spending two seasons as a Roadrunner student-athlete. During his time in Denver, he regularly collaborated with the coaching staff, assisted with youth and elite basketball camps, hosted prospective student-athletes and their families on recruiting visits, and served as team captain during his senior season. He also represented the university as a Student Ambassador during the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) reaccreditation process.

Before transferring to MSU Denver, Garrett played two seasons at Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina.

Known for his strong communication skills and passion for player development, Garrett returns to the Roadrunners eager to help the next generation of student-athletes grow both on the court and in the classroom. His familiarity with the program, combined with his early coaching success and operational experience, makes him a valuable addition to Ficke's staff as MSU Denver prepares for the 2026-27 season.