A new era begins as Northland Scholars Academy officially names its new athletic director & men’s head basketball coach, Isaac F. Pitts Jr! Coach Pitts has worked extensively with college and NBA-caliber players and developed multiple nationally ranked basketball teams.
“It is an unbelievable opportunity to come here,” Pitts said. “You know, I think back at all the kids I’ve been blessed to help, all my time working with families through the good and bad, all the time it was preparing me for this gracious opportunity.”
Pitts played at Shaw University in the early ’80s. During that time (1982-85), Pitts averaged 15 points and 13 rebounds for his career. As a freshman, he was voted team MVP and had stellar performances against Bowie State (25 points, 22 rebounds) and Virginia State (27 points, 16 rebounds in the ’83 CIAA Tournament). In 2014, Pitts was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at Shaw University. Pitts earned a BA in Sociology/Criminal Justice from Shaw University.
In 2003, Pitts started his coaching career at Parkland High School in Winston Salem, NC. In 2008, he was hired as athletic director and head men’s basketball coach for Quality Education Academy (QEA). Pitts curated the school’s athletic program and helped build a national powerhouse, with a 100% graduation rate.
During that era (2008-2020), Pitts helped 150 student athletes earn high major Division-1 scholarships and achieved 7 consecutive years of national rankings for QEA Basketball team (2008-2015). QEA won 3 straight NCSAA National Championships (2009- 2011) in the National Christian School Athletic Association.
Pitts has worked with some of the best college and professional players to date. Some of his former players are Jason Calliste (Oregon) Quincy Miller (Baylor), Sir’Domonic Pointer (St. Johns), Juvonte Reddic (VCU), Aaron Bowmen (Georgetown), Adrien White (Wake Forest), El Ellis (Louisville) Quincy Ballard (Florida State), Ibrahim Diallo (Rutgers), D’Marques Tyson (Portland) Cimmieon Bowers (Auburn), Nate Grimes (Fresno State) and many more.