Former IUPUI standout Don Carlisle was added to the Jaguars' coaching staff in June 2012 and will assist in all facets of the program. Carlisle, who is the program's all-time rebounding leader, recently completed an 11-year professional playing career prior to joining Howard's coaching staff.
Carlisle was a three-time All Mid-Continent Conference performer including earning first team honors his senior year. The 6-foot-6 forward finished with 1,340 points and 769 career rebounds and led the team in scoring and rebounding in each of his final three seasons. Defensively, he collected 165 career steals and is tied for fifth on the program's all-time list in that category. The Indianapolis-native immediately began playing professionally at the conclusion of his senior year.
Carlisle was originally drafted by North Charleston Lowgators in the inaugural NBDL Draft in 2001 before ultimately opting to play overseas. He spent the bulk of his playing career in France, while also having had stints in Sweden, Australia and in the U.S.. Carlisle was a focal point in the ESPN series 'Down Low: Life in the D-League' in 2001 as he battled for a spot on the Charleston roster. In 2012 while also playing in France, Carlisle got his first head coaching experience in the high school ranks at the International School of Paris. While there, he coached the junior boys and senior girls squads.
Carlisle completed his degree requirements at IUPUI in 2008 while assisting Hunter's staff in player development. The Indianapolis-native was living in Indianapolis rehabbing a knee injury at that time and earned his degree in General Studies. That year, Carlisle had the opportunity to work with Billy Pettiford, Jon Avery and Leroy Nobles on skill development throughout the latter part of the season. The Jaguars finished the year with a 26-7 mark including wins over UMass and Western Michigan in non-conference play. Carlisle later accompanied the team to Peru as part of the partnership with Samaritan's Feet, distributing thousands of pairs of Crocs and shoes to needy children.
Carlisle originally came to IUPUI in 1997 after a stellar career at nearby Ben Davis High School. A two-year starter for the Giants, Carlisle was a member of the 1996 IHSAA State Championship squad and was an honorable mention All-State selection after averaging 12.4 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. He was a City-County All-Star and All-Metro selection, while also earning All-Sectional, Regional and Semi-state honors.
