Bio

Rob McClain Jr., the newly appointed Head Men's Basketball Coach at United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Rob brings a remarkable journey full circle: a standout at Red Lake High School, he excelled across multiple sports and consistently competed in the Minnesota state basketball tournament. He earned over 1,500 points and 1,300 rebounds during his high school career, representing the Muscogee Creek/Red Lake Ojibwe community with pride and distinction.

He continued his basketball path at UTTC, where over two seasons he became one of the program’s all-time leaders in rebounding, steals, and blocks. In his sophomore year, McClain posted averages of 23.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.2 blocks, and 2.3 steals per game, earning NJCAA All-American honors and leading Region XIII in multiple categories. He also ranked nationally in field goals made and defensive rebounding.

His performance at UTTC earned attention from Division I programs, and he spent two seasons at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, competing at the NCAA D-I level before graduating in May 2021.

Following his playing career, McClain transitioned to coaching, joining UTTC as an assistant coach under Pete Conway. His deep roots in the program and his experience navigating the juco-to-DI pathway make him an inspiring mentor for student-athletes

A defensive-minded leader and fast-paced style of offense, Rob has built a reputation for identifying and developing players who embody intensity, grit, and team-first values. With the motto Attack with Discipline or AWD mindset that he got from his Coach at UTRGV, Lew Hill. He plans to extend that knowledge and wisdom onto the next generation of JUCO athletes.

What This Means for UTTC

• A program visionary who understands the local and Indigenous basketball landscape, having been shaped by it himself.
• A role model rooted in culture, blending his Muscogee Creek / Red Lake Ojibwe heritage with the values and mission of UTTC.
• A proven performer and developer who has walked the path from juco standout to Division I athlete and now coach.

We are excited to see Coach McClain embark on this new chapter, steering the UTTC Thunderbirds with a blend of championship ambition, cultural identity, and competitive toughness.