NORTH NEWTON, Kan. - For many student-athletes, college basketball is the pinnacle of their playing careers. For Poe Bryant, it was just the beginning.

Long before helping prepare one of the NBA's most storied franchises for a run to the league's biggest stage, Bryant was wearing the maroon and grey at Bethel College, developing the work ethic and passion for the game that would shape his future. Today, Bryant serves as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks' G League affiliate, a role that has also placed him alongside his father, helping the Knicks during their NBA Finals run, contributing to practices, scouting reports, and game preparation at basketball's highest level.

From the courts of North Newton to Madison Square Garden, Bryant's journey is a testament to perseverance, growth, and embracing every opportunity. While his path has taken him through countless gyms, film sessions, and coaching stops, the lessons learned at Bethel remain a foundational part of a remarkable basketball story that continues to unfold.



When Poe Bryant heard the final buzzer of the NBA championship game sound, he didn't need to check the scoreboard to know his life had changed. "Once the buzzer hit 0, I was jumping up and down and hugging random people," he said. "It made me think back to all the times I prayed and wished to be part of an NBA Championship, and in the end it was God's blessing!"

Standing on the court surrounded by confetti and a sea of jubilant fans, Poe could only describe the moment as surreal. "I've seen a lot of Finals celebrations, but to actually be a part of it for once was truly special. Really just in disbelief."

For Poe, the victory wasn't just about a trophy—it was a culmination of years of sacrifice, sweat, and steady belief. From late-night workouts to early-morning film sessions, he'd poured everything into the game. Now, with his mother by his side on the court, it all felt worth it.

"Seeing all the NY fans that traveled for the game take over the Spurs arena with 'Knicks in 5' is something I will never forget," he said. "We've been celebrating ever since."

Finding His Calling

Long before Poe hoisted the trophy, he was a Bethel College student trying to figure out who he wanted to be. It was there that he discovered his love for coaching—and the people who would help shape his path.

"Coach Hoops gave me the opportunity at Bethel," Poe said. But it was Coach Artaz who became a guiding force in his life. "From my freshman year to my senior year, I was a completely different player, completely different person with a different mindset," Poe said. "There were times we wouldn't even talk about basketball—he'd ask how my family was doing, how my personal life was going."



That relationship still matters to him today. "I always will talk to Coach Artaz, whether it's for advice or just to talk basketball," Poe said. "He took a chance to drive to Wichita on a weekend to watch me play, and from that moment on it turned into a truly blessed relationship."

Those lessons in leadership, empathy, and growth became the foundation of Poe's coaching philosophy—one built on connection and accountability.

Locked In

One moment during the Knicks' playoff run changed the way Poe thought about coaching. "Before we played Cleveland, Mike Brown showed a video about how we lost to Indiana in the Eastern Conference Finals last year," he said. "And then he asked Kat, Jalen, OG, Josh how they felt, how it made them feel."

The impact was immediate. "Ever since that video, I've never seen a team as locked in," Poe said. "Taking it a step further, after we lost Game 3 to Atlanta, from then on I've never seen a team as locked in as they were. The comebacks and all that doesn't happen if all five on the court, all 15, aren't locked in."

It was a powerful reminder that success isn't just about X's and O's—it's about mindset and togetherness. "You can't skip the grind process," Poe said. "The grind process is probably the best thing to show me that I truly wanted to be in this career and do this for a long time at a high level."

Representing Bethel

When Poe walked into Madison Square Garden for Game 1 of the Finals, he couldn't help but think about how far he'd come from Bethel College. "It was surreal," he said. "Bethel was a big part of my life—forever will be a big part. If I had to go back to college, 10 out of 10, I'd go back to Bethel."

For Poe, the journey from Bethel to the NBA wasn't just about personal achievement—it was about representing the people who helped him along the way. "The people I met there, the way they helped me grow—professors, Coach Artaz—you can't help but look back and think, dang, I came from Bethel to be here," he said. "It's just the utmost blessing."

And as he continues to chase new dreams, Poe carries Bethel with him—every game, every practice, every lesson. "At the end of the day, it was just the utmost blessing," he said. "I feel like I represent for Bethel."