After serving as a graduate assistant this past year, Patrick Bittle has been promoted to Director of Operations for the James Madison men’s basketball program for the 2021-22 season.
“Patrick came in and did an exceptional job during his first year as a graduate assistant,” Byington said. “He has earned the opportunity to advance and take the responsibility that comes with being our Director of Basketball Operations. He is very smart, works incredibly hard and is eager to learn.”
In his first year in Harrisonburg, Bittle helped the Dukes to a remarkable turnaround, as JMU battled a difficult logistical season, turning a ninth-place selection in the Colonial Athletic Association Preseason Poll into the ninth CAA Regular Season Championship in program history and the Dukes’ first No. 1 seed in the CAA Tournament since 1992-93.
Bittle was responsible for the program’s video operations in 2020-21, working alongside the staff to develop scouting reports, video edits and other tools as part of the Dukes’ preparation for games. He also assisted the operations staff with day-to-day work involving equipment, gear and travel logistics throughout the season.
“I am extremely excited to step into this new role with our program,” Bittle said. “I can’t thank Coach Byington and the rest of the staff enough for this opportunity - I’m looking forward to building on last year’s success and continuing to chase championships. Go Dukes!”
Prior to this season, Bittle graduated from Illinois with a degree in communications after serving as a manager under both John Groce and Brad Underwood, eventually earning the head manager role in his senior year. While at Illinois, he assisted with all on-court workouts and practices, scouting reports, video operations and on-campus recruiting visits.