Florida A&M men’s basketball has found new life under first-year head coach Charlie Ward.
The Rattlers, who entered the season picked near the middle of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, now sit in first place tie as of mid-January.
The Rattlers (4-1 SWAC) have won four consecutive games, including back-to-back wins over conference contenders Grambling State and Southern.
Through discipline and balance, the former Heisman Trophy winner and longtime NBA veteran has guided FAMU to one of its best starts since the program joined the SWAC in 2021.
Ward, known for his calm demeanor and emphasis on fundamentals, has brought the same leadership philosophy from his playing career into coaching.
“Winning is an attitude. And losing is an attitude,” Ward told the Tallahassee Democrat. “So, when you find a way to win, it carries over. We’re not going to do anything different. We’re going to continue to do what we do and work to try to get the same outcome.”
Guard Jaquan Sanders has emerged as FAMU’s go-to scorer, averaging 13.3 points per game during conference play. But it’s the Rattlers’ defense that has made the biggest difference — opponents are scoring just 78.4 points per game — good for third in the conference.
FAMU’s rise comes as the program looks to find its footing in the conference after qualifying for the SWAC Tournament last season for the first time.
Ward, who was hired last spring after a stint as a champion Florida high school basketball coach, has quickly earned the trust of his players.
The Rattlers return to action Saturday on the road versus Alcorn State.
