James Broadous II is one of the best coaches in the state of Oregon. In any classification! In his first seven years at De La Salle, he has 158-38 win-loss record. On his way to 80% winning percentage, he has accomplished the following; 5 League Championships 5 League Coach of the Year awards, 2 State Coach of the Year 3 Runner Up State Champions 2 State Title. He and his coaching staff put the entire state on notice in the Inaugural Les Schwab “The Eight” Invitational. In the first round, Knights loss to the eventual champs Eastside Catholic (WA), but followed it up by beating two 6A “Sweet 16 “State tournament teams in Westview and Sandy. With all of his success thus far, it’s time for players and coaches to recognize what’s happening at De La Salle North Catholic! Here is what 2016 Co-Player of the Year and University of Idaho commit JaVary Christmas had to say. “Coach Broadous has truly exemplified the definition of hard work, and character. While everyone notices the accolades and statistics, personally I️ believe his biggest impact on De La Salle is his leadership and determination to create phenomenal young men! Taking De La Salle to 5 State Championship games, winning 5 League Championship Titles, coaching 4 “Player of the Year” Athletes, clinching his second 3A State Championship award, and repeatedly winning “Coach of The Year” honors all speaks for itself. Coach Broadous has created a winning culture for De La Salle Basketball and has impacted the lives of many student athletes in ways that will live with us for generations to come. I am extremely proud of his success at the 3A basketball level and I cannot wait to see what heights he will elevate our program to in the near future. “ Here is what Director of Team Jones and long time 3A Basketball advocate Yoda had to say: “How he has brought discipline to a community. How he has over and over taken average kids and gotten them to believe in themselves and be great. How he masterfully leads and mentors kids un his humble way that teaches kids their limits and they will run through a wall for him.” Here is what Riverdale HS Head Coach had to say: “He is one of the classiest coaches I ever met!” Below is the exclusive interview with James Broadous II: What did you know about 3A basketball before accepting De La Salle position? Before coaching at the 3A level, I honestly did not know too much about 3A. All my playing and coaching had been at the 6A level, formerly known as the 4A. Because of my familiarity with Portland itself I knew of some of the 3A local area schools but was not too familiar with the results or history of the athletic programs. In retrospect, I can say I had that Big School Sports mentality. No other levels mattered. What’s the difference between 3A basketball In compares to the other levels you coach at? Coaching and Player wise? The main differences I see between the 6A and 3A of course are just the sheer numbers of athletes to choose from. While at Parkrose I easily filled 3 complete teams with cuts. At Grant we would have 60-70 kids trying out for hoop every year. Secondly something people do not think too much about is the Facilities at the 6 A level. Having multiple gyms or multiple courts at your school allows kids more opportunities to play and work on their games, before school, lunch, after school etc. At De La Salle our gym is also our cafeteria and there is absolutely no extra time for athletes to work on their game on their own which helps enrich the talent and skill set of the larger school players. One thing I do know for sure though is if a guy is really highly skilled he can shine on the 3A level and reach all the same heights in basketball as if he was at a bigger school. Looking back at what you have accomplished thus far, what comes to mind? What comes to mind is the very first meeting, my assistant, Michael Jackson and I had with the team after I was hired. We told them if they believed in us and in each other we could turn this program around and put us on the map. In that room there were roughly 20 young men who were unhappy, and disengaged with the current state of the basketball program. I was their 3rd coach in the last 3 years. There was very little comradery amongst the guys and really no reason to believe. We preached, commitment and Family. Our first Motto was "I am My Brothers Keeper." The guys bought In. That first group of guys built a firm foundation built on Family and brotherhood and every class since has followed suit. No one wants to let their big brothers down. I admit it's a pretty special thing. With legendary coach Dave Brown retiring this year, all eye are you and Ron Hop (Dayton) as the top programs in the state. What are your thoughts on that? First off. Much love to Dave Brown. In my eyes Dave is a living legend. He has done a lot to bring respectability to not only 3A basketball but to Oregon basketball in general. Congrats on the retirement Dave. Being considered as one of the top programs in the state is Kool. We have not yet experienced all the success that Coach Hopp and the Dayton Pirates have over the years, but it is a testament to my players and coaching staff on how hard they work year after year. However being the hunted is not as fun as being the hunter. LOL. The last time De La Salle loss to a 3A team was back on December 8, 2017 against Horizon Christian. Let that sink in... It’s officially Knyte time!
