Gorilla Basketball Camps

Coaching Staff

Justin Bailey
Assistant Coach

Justin Bailey begins his second year as an assistant coach for the Pittsburg State University men's basketball program and his first season as associate head coach for the Gorillas.

Bailey came to Pitt State after serving as head coach at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith during the 2018-19 season.

He served as an assistant coach at NCAA Division I Lamar University for two years (2016-17 - 2017-18) helping the Cardinals to consecutive 19-win seasons and back-to-back selections to the College Basketball Invitational (CIT). Bailey was promoted to recruiting coordinator during the 2017-18 season.

He also served as an assistant coach at UAFS for four seasons from 2012-13 to 2015-16 helping the Lions to a pair of NCAA Division II National Tournament appearances (2013-14, 2015-16) and two Heartland Conference Championships (2012-13, 2013-14). Bailey also spent three years as head men's cross country coach at UAFS (2013-15).

Prior to joining the UAFS staff, Bailey spent two years as a graduate assistant coach at Arizona State University (2010-11, 2011-12).

The Fort Smith, Ark., native played two seasons at Arkansas Fort Smith, helping the program capture the 2005-06 NJCAA National Championship. He then played three seasons at the University of Texas Permian Basin (2007-08 – 2009-10), earning All-Heartland Conference honors.

Bailey earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from UT Permian Basin in May 2010 and a master's degree in higher and postsecondary education from Arizona State in May 2012.

Chris Popp
Assistant Coach

Pittsburg State University head men's basketball coach Kim Anderson announced the recent hiring of Chris Popp as an assistant coach for the Gorillas.

Popp replaces former assistant Jake Hamburger who left Pitt State for another professional opportunity outside of basketball.

Popp comes to Pitt State after serving as head coach at Missouri State University-West Plains the past four seasons (2017-2020). During his four-year tenure he led the Grizzlies to a pair of nationally ranked top 20 seasons including a NJCAA Region XVI Championship in 2018. He was named the Region XVI Coach of the Year that season.

Prior to his tenure at MSU-West Plains, Popp served as an assistant coach at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith for five years (2012-16). He helped the Lions claim back-to-back Heartland Conference titles and make two appearances in the NCAA Division II National Tournament.

Popp also served as an assistant coach at Newman University for six seasons (2006-2011) and at his alma mater, Tabor College, for one year (2005). He helped NU to a nationally ranked season and Tabor to a KCAC Championship and a berth in the NAIA National Tournament.

“We are excited to add a coach of Chris’ quality to our program,” Anderson said. “He brings successful head coaching experience and will be an outstanding mentor for our student-athletes. His basketball knowledge and recruiting network will enhance our ability to attract high character and skilled players.”

A Wichita native, Popp was a three-year starter at Tabor College, helping the Bluejays reach the Sweet 16 of the NAIA National Tournament. He earned a bachelor’s of arts degree in physical education from Tabor in 2001.

Vince Walker
Graduate Assistant Coach