Familiar Face

BRADEN RIVER — Jason Mickan always sat on the bench and watched his mentor closely.

From his vantage point on the court, Mickan got a glimpse of how Braden River varsity boys basketball coach Matt Nesser approached the game. He saw an organized coach who demanded attention in the huddle and in turn garnered his players’ respect.

Over the past three seasons, Mickan, who served as a varsity assistant since 2010, has tried to carry those same principles with him while serving as Braden River’s JV coach.

Now, Mickan, who coached the Pirates JV squad to an 18-2 record last season, is seeking to build upon the tradition of excellence that Nesser established over the past 10 years.

On Oct. 1, Mickan was named Braden River’s new varsity head coach. Nesser stepped down after being named the Pirates’ new athletic director last month.

“Everything happened so fast,” Mickan says. “I was just excited for the opportunity, and I think it’s good for the boys that there’s consistency.”

Mickan, who teaches social studies at Braden River, moved in 2001 to Florida. He spent his sophomore year playing guard on Lakewood Ranch High’s JV basketball team before moving up to varsity his junior and senior seasons.

An avid sports fan, basketball proved to be the one sport that continually stuck with Mickan.

“I enjoy the thrill of the game,” Mickan says. “Basketball is a much faster game. It’s more intense and exciting. There’s never a dull moment.”

Mickan, who had aspirations of being a varsity coach one day, stepped down from his position as a football assistant coach last spring to focus strictly on basketball.

Braden River will hold tryouts for the upcoming season Oct. 27 before the Pirates’ first game Nov. 11. Tom McCarthy and Jim Lacey will remain on as the Pirates’ varsity assistants. Mickan is in the process of trying to find a JV coach to replace him.

“I’ve coached all the kids before, so I know their strengths and weaknesses,” Mickan said. “It’s just a great opportunity to continue what coach Nesser built.

I think it’s a positive thing having me on campus. They know I’m not far away, and I think there are a lot of positives (from) being visible.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].