JONESBORO, Ark. (5/31/12) - Arkansas State head men's basketball coach John Brady announced the hiring of Corey Barker as the Red Wolves new assistant coach, Thursday.

Barker comes to A-State after a one-year stint at Paris Junior College where he helped lead the Blazers to a 23-6 and a Region XIV North Zone Conference championship last season. At Paris, Barker was tasked with recruiting coordination and player development.

"Corey has always wanted to be a Division I coach and recruit at this level," said Brady. "He's shown he is very good at that and he's got a great number of contacts throughout the areas that we are going to recruit. He's also very good at individual workouts and is a hard worker. We are already seeing benefits of his work and I am very excited to have him as a part of this staff."

Prior to joining the staff at Paris, Barker spent a season at North Forest High School in his native Houston, Texas as an assistant coach. Before going to North Forest, Barker was an assistant at Humble Christian Life Academy for five seasons from 2004-2009.

Barker graduated with a Kinesiology degree in 2003 from Prairie View A&M where he played and was a graduate assistant.

"I am extremely excited about the upcoming season and the opportunity here at Arkansas State," said Barker. "There are great people here, great players and a great coaching staff."

Barker fills the vacancy on A-State's staff after the departure of Richard Williams who was with the Red Wolves for the past couple of seasons.