04 Jun 2025 New additions to UCA Men’s Basketball staff

CONWAY — The University of Central Arkansas men’s basketball program has three new additions to the coaching staff, according to head coach John Shulman.

Will Braden has been added as an assistant coach, while Jake Frankiewicz will be the new graduate assistant. Ivan Hadzic has also been hired as the new strength and conditioning coach for men’s and women’s basketball.

Braden comes to UCA from Fordham University in New York City where he served as director of player development for the Rams. Braden spent five years at Fordham after graduating from the University of the South and spending one season at Sarah Lawrence College. 

“Will Braden comes to UCA with Atlantic 10 (Conference) experience over the last five years,” said Shulman. “He has great knowledge of the game and has worked for some elite minds in the game. He also brings the skill set of player development to our program as he worked under NBA skills coach Drew Hanlen.  Relentless worker, and we are awfully excited to have him with us.”

“I could not be more excited to join the UCA community,” said Braden. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and cannot wait to get started. Go Bears!”

Frankiewicz spent the past four seasons at the University of Toledo as a student manager for a program that won three consecutive Mid-American Conference championships and earned two berths in the NIT. Frankiewicz also spent time working for the NCAA College Basketball Academy in Memphis, TN and Rock Hill, SC.

“Jake Frankiewicz is a basketball junkie and won big at Toledo while having to deal with running a basketball program behind the scenes,” said Shulman. “He had extensive work with summer camps and basketball operations duties. Jake is a high-energy guy that fits in our culture of working hard with great energy.” 

“Coming to Conway has been an absolute blessing and I couldn’t be happier to join this staff and program,” said Frankiewicz. “I’m looking forward to a great season.” 

Hadzic, a native of Sabac, Serbia who played at Canisius University and Carson-Newman, spent the past two seasons as a graduate assistant coach in strength and conditioning at Jacksonville University. He has certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCCA) and USA Weightlifting (USAW).

“Ivan’s journey took him to train with strength and conditioning at Jacksonville in the ASUN,” said Shulman. “He has playing experience and now combines that with him completing his Master’s degree and the experience he has had working with JU men’s and women’s basketball, the next step was to be in charge of his own programs, and we are fortunate to have him lead our program. He is high energy, smart and experienced.”  

“I am extremely thankful for UCA and Coach Shulman for giving me an opportunity to be a part of the program and help the team in any way possible to be successful,” said Hadzic.