Whisenant's Basketball Coaching and Professional Career
The trajectory of Whisenant's career is a testament to a lifelong passion for basketball, spanning from his days as a collegiate athlete to high-level coaching and executive management. His journey reflects a consistent ability to lead teams to victory across various levels of competition, from junior colleges to professional leagues.
Early Athletic Foundation
Whisenant's path began at Connors Junior College in Warner, Oklahoma. In 1963, he transferred to New Mexico State University, where he played for two seasons. During his senior year, he established himself as a key offensive contributor, leading the team with an average of 13.1 points per game.
Rise Through the Coaching Ranks
Whisenant transitioned into coaching in 1966, serving as an assistant coach at Coffeyville Community College. His tenure there was marked by immediate success, as the team achieved a dominant 48–10 record over two years.
From 1968 to 1972, Whisenant took the helm as the head coach at Arizona Western Junior College. Under his leadership, the program reached new heights, securing three league championships and maintaining an impressive cumulative record of 97–30.
Contributions at the University Level
Between 1972 and 1979, Whisenant joined the coaching staff at the University of New Mexico as an assistant under Norm Ellenberger. During this period, the team accumulated a 137–62 record and captured two Western Athletic Conference (WAC) championships.
Diversification into Business and Youth Sports
After departing from the New Mexico coaching staff, Whisenant shifted his focus toward the business sector, specifically in horse racing and real estate. Despite his professional pivot, he remained connected to the game by coaching his son's AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) team in Albuquerque, where he achieved a remarkable 176–16 cumulative record.
Professional League Management
Whisenant returned to the professional spotlight from 1999 to 2001, serving as both the head coach and vice president of basketball operations for the New Mexico Slam of the International Basketball League (IBL). The Slam posted a 51–35 overall record during its two-season existence, including a 38–26 finish in the 1999–2000 season.
Following his time with the Slam, Whisenant transitioned to the New York Liberty, where he served as both coach and General Manager (GM). His tenure with the Liberty concluded on October 25, 2012, when the organization announced his departure.
Key Facts
- Collegiate Peak: Averaged 13.1 points per game during his senior season at New Mexico State University.
- Junior College Success: Led Arizona Western Junior College to three league championships (97–30 record).
- WAC Achievements: Helped New Mexico secure two WAC championships as an assistant coach.
- AAU Dominance: Coached a youth team in Albuquerque to a 176–16 record.
- Professional Leadership: Served as Head Coach and VP of Basketball Operations for the New Mexico Slam.
- Current Venture: Partner in a commercial real estate firm based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
| Role/Organization | Period | Key Achievement/Record |
|---|---|---|
| Player, New Mexico State | 1963–1965 | 13.1 PPG (Senior Season) |
| Asst. Coach, Coffeyville CC | 1966–1968 | 48–10 Record |
| Head Coach, Arizona Western JC | 1968–1972 | 3 League Championships (97–30) |
| Asst. Coach, New Mexico | 1972–1979 | 2 WAC Championships (137–62) |
| Head Coach, New Mexico Slam | 1999–2001 | 51–35 Cumulative Record |
| Coach/GM, New York Liberty | Post-2001–2012 | Executive Leadership |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Whisenant's record at Arizona Western Junior College?
Whisenant led Arizona Western Junior College to a cumulative record of 97–30 and won three league championships.
Which professional teams did Whisenant coach?
Whisenant served as the head coach for the New Mexico Slam of the International Basketball League and later coached the New York Liberty.
How did Whisenant perform as a player at New Mexico State University?
During his senior season at New Mexico State University, Whisenant led the team with an average of 13.1 points per game.
What business ventures has Whisenant pursued outside of basketball?
Whisenant has been involved in horse racing and is currently a partner in a commercial real estate firm in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
What was his success rate with AAU basketball?
While coaching his son's AAU team in Albuquerque, Whisenant achieved a highly successful cumulative record of 176–16.