Vinay Patel directs Oklahoma City University’s men’s basketball program as head coach.
In his time at OCU, Patel has guided two all-Americans, including the Stars’ first first-teamer since 2008; the 2017 Sooner Athletic Conference player of the year, the 2017 SAC co-defensive player of the year, a finalist for the Dark Horse Dunker competition, six all-conference performers and three academic all-SAC choices.
In 2016-17, Oklahoma City went 21-11, posted its first 20-win season since 2008 and advanced to the NAIA Tournament for the third consecutive year. The Stars had a spot in the top 25 in six of the eight polls, picked up four wins vs. ranked opponents and rose to the top five of the rankings for the first time since 2008. OCU established a new program single-season record with 167 blocks, which led the NAIA this season.
In the first season as OCU's head coach, Patel guided the Stars to a 15-11 record with a trip to the NAIA Division I Tournament. Patel earned the HoopDirt.com NAIA coach of the week honor presented by The Hoop Group when the Stars upended third-ranked Texas Wesleyan 74-73, dealing the conference regular-season champion its first home loss of the season and securing a season sweep Feb. 25 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Patel came to OCU after spending 2014-15 as Rogers State’s assistant coach. Patel had previously served as interim head coach for West Texas A&M.
With Patel's aid, Rogers State recorded a 20-8 ledger with a second-place finish in the Heartland Conference. Two Hillcats earned all-conference honors as Frederico Santos was league player of the year and J.C. Hartzler was second-team all-conference. Santos landed on the all-South Central District second team.
Patel had been assistant coach for 21-year veteran Rick Cooper for nine years with the last two holding the title of associate head coach. Following Cooper’s retirement, Patel elevated to the head-coaching position.
During his time at West Texas A&M, the program recorded tremendous success reaching the NCAA Division II Tournament five times. The Buffs advanced to the tournament in 2011, ranked as high as No. 23 in the nation, and again in 2012, posting records of 23-7 and 19-9, respectively. The team also claimed a Lone Star Conference championship and two LSC South Division titles. The Buffs produced a top-10 nationally ranked defense three times.
Patel began his coaching career at West Texas A&M as a graduate assistant in 2005 before moving to the position of assistant coach of both the men's and women's teams for the next three seasons.
He had served as the recruiting coordinator for the Buffs since 2010 bringing aboard two eventual all-Americans and 14 eventual first, second or honorable-mention all-conference selections. Those honorees also included one conference newcomer of the year, one freshman of the year, and two all-region performers.
A native of Shamrock, Texas, Patel graduated from Texas Tech in 2005 with a bachelor of science degree in exercise and sport science before earning a master of science degree in sports and exercise science from West Texas A&M in 2007. Patel also is a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
He is married (Megan).
