Wes is a very genuine, loyal person and I think that is comforting to players and a big part of the reason why he is such a dynamic recruiter," says UALR head coach Steve Shields. "He brings great experience with him from an outstanding basketball and coaching background and is a product of his family's work ethic and strong character."

Wes Flanigan enters his third year as an assistant coach at UALR after joining the Trojan staff on June 21, 2004. A former standout basketball player at Auburn, Flannigan earned All-Southeastern Conference honors following his junior year.

His duties at UALR include on-court coaching, recruiting, conducting individual workouts and instructing the Trojans' perimeter players.

Flanigan, a Little Rock native, joined the Trojans after five seasons as an assistant at Northwest Mississippi Community College. During his time at Northwest, Flanigan, who worked with both the men's and women's teams, helped lead the men's squad to a record of 119-39 while the Lady Rangers compiled a mark of 80-51.

The Northwest men's program also won three Region XXIII championships and earned three trips to the National Junior College Athletic Association National Championship tournament during Flanigan's tenure. The Rangers also captured two MACJC North Division titles and the state championship in 2001.

Flanigan, the son of Little Rock Parkview head basketball coach Al Flanigan, also helped the Lady Rangers to five consecutive post-season tournaments. The women's team played in four regional tournaments and five state tourneys as well.

A graduate of Little Rock Parkview High School, Flanigan was a four-year letterman at Auburn, from 1993 to 1997. He was team co-captain for three seasons and averaged 10.1 points, 4.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds during his college career.

Flanigan graduated from Auburn with a degree in health promotion and was given the Cliff Hare Award for being the university's top student-athlete in 1997. He was also recognized twice with the Paul Lambert and Tommy Joe Eagles Award for his leadership abilities.

While at Parkview, Flanigan was named the Arkansas High School Gatorade Player of the Year and Arkansas All-Star Game Most Valuable Player following his senior season.

Flanigan and his wife Katrina have two sons: Michael Lewis, 13; and Allen, 5.