Former MSU Denver star Mike Buggs returned to the Roadrunners as an assistant coach in September, 2024.
Buggs has been the lead trainer at Buggs Basketball Academy in Denver since 2012. The academy teaches players everything from the fundamental principles of the game to expert-level skills. The academy provides individual and group skills training, shooting, advanced techniques and life mentoring.
Previously, Buggs was a coach and trainer at Elevation Basketball from 2015 through 2021. He led team practices, training sessions, games and tournaments while focusing on individual development and team support. He also worked with parents and families to ensure players were supported at home.
He was as an assistant player development coach for the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats for the 2012-13 season, specializing in rookie development, including strength and conditioning, film study and transition strategies from college to professional basketball.
Buggs was also a manager/trainer with the Denver Nuggets from 2009 through 2012, providing off-court coaching and training, managing financial accounts, organizing charity events and overseeing household and personal logistics. Among those he worked with were JR Smith and Al Harrington.
Buggs played professionally from 2003 through 2011 in Australia, New Zealand, China and Denmark.
At MSU Denver, Buggs was a key member of the 2002 NCAA Division II national championship team. He was the team's third-leading scorer at 12.4 points per game while shooting 56.4 percent from the field (172 of 305) and 80.2 percent from the free throw line (89 of 111). He was also third on the team with 3.9 rebounds per game and fourth with 44 steals.
He came to the Roadrunners after spending two seasons at Chabot Junior College (Calif.), where he was a two-time all-state first team selection and led the team to the national quarterfinals.
In high school he was an all-state player at Tennyson High School in Hayward, Calif., averaging 24 points and 12 rebounds as a senior.
Buggs earned his bachelor's in speech communications at MSU Denver.
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