Florida A&M University is thrilled to announce the addition of Giovanne Woods to its men’s basketball coaching staff, a move that is set to breathe new life into the Rattlers’ program as they gear up for the upcoming season. This decision comes as head coach Patrick Crarey II passionately endorses Woods’s extensive expertise, calling him a “major addition” to the team.
Woods, who previously served as an assistant coach and head of player development at Montverde Academy—widely recognized as the premier high school basketball program in the nation—brings a wealth of experience to the table. Over the past three seasons, he has played a significant role in securing two national championships (2022, 2024) and has led the post-grad team to a stellar record of 56 wins against 22 losses. This achievement includes clinching the Central Division title in 2023. Crarey speaks highly of Woods’s tenacity and skills, stating, “He will lead our player development and play a vital part in our recruitment efforts.” This indicates that Woods’s role will be instrumental not only in training players but also in attracting new talent to Florida A&M—both of which are pivotal for building a competitive team.
Woods’s journey in basketball is both impressive and inspiring. Before stepping into a coaching role, he logged a decade playing professionally overseas, showcasing his skills in various countries such as Austria, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, to name a few. His diverse experiences on the court will undoubtedly allow him to connect with the players, share valuable insights, and foster a culture of growth.
In a recent post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Crarey elaborated on his intentional approach to assembling a coaching staff that prioritizes values like relationship loyalty and a winning pedigree. The addition of Woods, alongside other notable coaches with strong recruitment networks, demonstrates Crarey’s commitment to elevating the basketball program at FAMU. It is a crucial strategy, especially given the historical significance of Montverde Academy—which has produced elite NBA talents such as Joel Embiid, D’Angelo Russell, and Cade Cunningham—creating a strong foundation from which to build.
Adding to the excitement surrounding this coaching change, Marquette’s head coach, Shaka Smart, placed his support firmly behind Crarey’s leadership of FAMU. Smart praised Crarey as a proven winner and emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with players—something that is integral to fostering talent both on and off the court. This validation could be a turning point for the Rattlers as they navigate the challenges of recent seasons and strive to reclaim their competitive edge.
In terms of talent acquisition, Crarey is already making waves. This summer, he successfully brought in Shaqir O’Neal, son of NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal, from Texas Southern. This strategic move is likely to enhance the team’s visibility and competitiveness, demonstrating Crarey’s proactive approach to building a program that can compete at a high level.
Prior to his current position, Crarey served as head coach at St. Thomas University, where he amassed a commendable record of 61-27. His leadership there allowed the team to become a regular fixture in the NAIA tournaments and gain national recognition. With such a solid foundation of success, the Rattlers and their supporters can look forward to a season filled with potential and promise.
As the Rattlers prepare to embark on this new chapter, the excitement surrounding Woods’s addition and Crarey’s vision for the program can be felt throughout the community. Fans will undoubtedly be keen to see how these developments translate into on-court success as Florida A&M University aims to reclaim its place as a powerhouse in college basketball.
