The Story Behind the Coach and the Mic

“Great basketball isn’t just played—it’s taught, told, and brought to life.”

-Jacob Ridenhour

I’ve spent more than 25 years living and breathing this game—from building championship teams to breaking down the action behind the mic. Today, I serve as an ESPN+ and ACCNX Basketball Analyst, but my story started long before the broadcast booth.

As an NCAA coach, I poured myself into shaping programs in two of the country’s most competitive conferences, the ACC and SEC. Along the way, I helped lead teams to an Elite Eight, multiple Sweet Sixteens, and historic conference titles. One of my greatest honors has been coaching and mentoring 30+ NBA players, including NBA Lottery Picks, first-round draft picks, All-Stars and All-Rookie standouts. Seeing their growth—on and off the court—has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.

Now, I bring that same courtside perspective to every broadcast. Whether I’m calling games for ESPN+, Learfield Sports/Legends Global, or Florida State Basketball Radio, my goal is simple: make the game clearer, deeper, and more exciting for every fan watching. My style blends technical insight with storytelling, giving audiences not just what happened, but why it happened.

Off the air, my passion for the sport led me to found and direct the Jersey Mike’s Jamaica Classic. Growing it into one of the NCAA’s top international tournaments was an incredible journey—complete with multi-million-dollar sponsorships, a five-year CBS Television deal, and more than $1.5M in yearly media value. Most importantly, it expanded the global footprint of college basketball and brought unforgettable experiences to teams and fans alike.

At the heart of everything I do is one mission: elevate the game. Whether it's coaching, broadcasting, or building platforms that push basketball forward, I’m here to inspire excellence, share what I’ve learned, and bring the energy of the sport to every audience I serve.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS