SAU Tech Men's Basketball Names Allen Taylor Interim Head Coach After Bryant Pagan II Resigns

September 21, 2026 — Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) is preparing for a new chapter in its men's basketball program following the resignation of Head Men's Basketball Coach Bryant Pagan II after four seasons leading the Rockets.

During his time at SAU Tech, Pagan focused on developing student-athletes both on and off the court, with an emphasis on player development, strength and conditioning, and academic success. Under his leadership, the Rockets made significant progress and positioned themselves for postseason competition.

The SAU Tech Rockets finished third in NJCAA Region 2 during the 2025-2026 season, marking a strong finish for the program under Pagan's leadership.

"Coach Bryant Pagan has been an important part of the SAU Tech basketball program, and we are sincerely grateful for the time, energy, and commitment he has given to our student-athletes and our institution," said Dr. Rickey Rogers, Vice Chancellor for Student Services. "Coach Pagan has made several meaningful contributions to our basketball program, and we appreciate the relationships he built not only with our students, but with coaches and members of the SAU Tech community. We wish him continued success as he steps into his new position."

Allen Taylor Named Interim Head Men's Basketball Coach

With the upcoming season approaching, SAU Tech has named Allen Taylor interim head men's basketball coach. Taylor will assume his new responsibilities immediately as the Rockets continue preparations for the 2026-2027 season.

Taylor is a familiar face within the SAU Tech community. A former SAU Tech student-athlete, he competed for the Rockets during his time on campus and later served as a member of the coaching staff.

His experience as both a former player and coach gives Taylor firsthand knowledge of the SAU Tech basketball program, its student-athletes and the college's athletic culture.

"Coach Allen Taylor understands what it means to be a Rocket," Rogers said. "Having competed as a student-athlete at SAU Tech and later serving as a member of our coaching staff, his familiarity with our program positions him to provide consistency while also bringing his own leadership and vision to the program."

Rogers added that SAU Tech will continue to support Taylor and the men's basketball program as the Rockets prepare for the upcoming season.

"We look forward to supporting Coach Taylor as we continue to focus on providing our athletes with strong leadership, a positive experience, and the support they need to be successful on and off the court," Rogers said.

Rockets Prepare for 2026-2027 Basketball Season

The SAU Tech men's basketball team will have several weeks to prepare under Taylor's leadership before the start of the upcoming season.

The Rockets' 2026-2027 season officially begins November 2, 2026, giving the team time to continue preseason preparations and build momentum heading into competition.

As SAU Tech moves forward, the program will look to build on the progress made during Pagan's four seasons while beginning a new chapter under Taylor's interim leadership.