Eric Wise
Assistant Coach
Eric Wise is a seasoned assistant coach for the Jacksonville State University women’s basketball program, entering his thirteenth season with the Gamecocks for the 2025–26 campaign. As Rick Pietri’s first staff addition upon his arrival at JSU, Wise has played a critical role in mentoring the team’s post players, spearheading recruiting efforts, and coordinating travel and logistics. His coaching impact is evident in the development of standout bigs like Miranda Cantrell, Tyler Phelion, and Chloe Long, each of whom achieved significant rebounding milestones under his guidance. During his tenure, JSU has not only improved its inside presence but also experienced some of its most successful seasons in Division I history, including a program-best 24-8 record in 2022–23 that resulted in an ASUN West Division title and the school’s first Division I postseason appearance in the WNIT.
Wise’s coaching career extends well beyond JSU. Before joining the Gamecocks, he worked alongside Pietri at the University of South Alabama, where the Jaguars captured consecutive Sun Belt West Division titles and made back-to-back WNIT showings. Wise also held coaching roles at McNeese State, Bethune-Cookman University, and UL-Monroe, contributing to strong team performances and player development. Prior to his collegiate coaching career, he led high school programs with notable success — including multiple district titles and Coach of the Year honors — and began his coaching journey as a boys’ head coach at Opelousas Catholic. Wise’s broad experience reflects a deep commitment to basketball coaching and player advancement across multiple competitive levels.