Coach JV Boys Meet Coach Emerson McClung

Basketball has always been a simple yet powerful game for me. All it takes to get better is a ball and the desire to make small, daily improvements. I started playing when I was around 6 or 7 at a local rec center called the Neighborhood House. I wasn’t very good at first, but I loved playing. Over time, I began to train more seriously and played at Cambridge High School. My passion for the game led me to play at Emmanuel College, where I was part of several successful seasons, including multiple 20-win years and conference championships.

During my time at Emmanuel, I earned my bachelor’s degree in History Education. My first two years of teaching were at Apalachee High School, where I taught U.S. History, worked in the SPED department, and served as the Head JV Coach and Varsity Assistant. I joined the Buford Basketball program in 2022, continuing my role as the Head JV Coach and Assistant on Varsity.

I chose Buford because of its strong community and the high level of coaches and teachers here. I wanted to surround myself with individuals who push for excellence in everything they do. Coaching allows me to help kids reach their goals, and there’s nothing quite like the moment when the light bulb turns on, and a player understands a new aspect of the game.

Patience and adaptability are crucial in coaching. Each player learns and thinks differently, so my goal is to change my approach to bring out the best in each athlete. Outside of basketball, I’m married to Kaitlyn McClung, and we have two wonderful dogs—an Australian Shepherd and a rescue.

I’m excited for the journey ahead with the Buford Wolves and look forward to another season of growth and success!

Coaching Experience:

2022 – Present: Buford High School
2020 – 2022: Apalachee High School