Overview
- Ball State announced the hiring Friday, two days after SMU’s 89-79 First Four loss to Miami (Ohio) ended the Mustangs’ season.
- Capko, 42, takes his first head coaching job after two seasons as SMU’s top assistant and eight seasons at USC, where he rose to associate head coach.
- During his USC tenure, eight players reached the NBA, bolstering his reputation for recruiting and player development.
- He succeeds Michael Lewis, who was fired March 7 after four seasons and a 61-64 record that included missing the MAC Tournament in his last three years.
- Athletic director Jeff Mitchell cited Capko’s experience and recruiting acumen, and Capko vowed to build a disciplined program that competes for championships.