Former Brownwood Lions and Early Longhorns head coach Nadir Dalleh – who turned around both high school programs – will attempt to do the same at his collegiate alma mater as he takes over the reins for the Howard Payne Yellow Jackets, whose season tips off at 4 p.m. Saturday at Southwestern.

Dalleh owns a 151-86 high school record, including a 101-52 mark with five playoff berths in as many seasons at his latest stop – his high school alma mater Brownwood.

“I have really enjoyed my short time here as head coach,” Dalleh said. “The Howard Payne family has been very supportive and everyone is excited for the season to get here. There is no doubt a difference between the two levels. When you add in recruiting to different class times per student for practice times among other things, just juggling all that can be a challenge. In the end, it’s coaching basketball. These young men want to compete and win which makes the transition a little easier.”

Dalleh faces a considerable challenge as the Yellow Jackets are coming off a winless 2020-21 campaign and have picked up wins in just three of their last 50 contests dating to 2018-19 season.

Finding the right combination of returnees and newcomers is among the key goals early as this year’s roster features 21 players.

“A lot of these players have not played together before,” Dalleh said. “I’m still learning what they can do and they’re learning what I want, so there may be a learning curve until then. But we need to improve on execution and that will come with more practice and playing games.”

Regarding the strengths of this year’s squad, Dalleh said, “We have some older guys that have returned plus some junior college transfers. Having that college playing experience will help tremendously. I believe we will be able to shoot the ball well and with some added speed to the team we will be able to run the floor as well.”

Among the returning players to watch, Dalleh pointed to Michael House, Jaylan Ballou and Reece Ridder.

“They will be counted on to be key contributors to our success,” Dalleh said. “Jaylan is an unbelievable point guard that has picked up on everything very fast. House and Ridder bring back experience that will help us be successful.”

New players to keep an eye on include Myles Brown, Frederick Watt, Miles Koehler, Malikih Gillum and Kamron Jackson.

“Myles Brown is a transfer from Eastfield JC,” Dalleh said. “He has a great shot and plays very well in the open floor. Frederick Watts has graduated from McPherson in Kansas. He is pursuing his master’s so he will bring plenty of experience with him. Miles Koehler, Malikih Gillum and Kamron Jackson will also provide some much needed depth.”

Prior to the start of American Southwest Conference action, Dalleh’s goals include establishing team chemistry.

“With the new players and the returners, we have to be able to play together,” Dalleh said. “I want to see us come together and figure that out. I don’t have a lot of patience for selfish play and you definitely can’t play that way and expect to compete and win.”

As for the ASC race, Dalleh said, “I believe we have a very tough conference,” Dalleh said. “With Mary Hardin Baylor, Hardin-Simmons and a few others, it will be very competitive and hopefully we will compete. We need to be able to take each practice and game and learn from those experiences. Making the conference tournament would be huge to get this turned around.”

Regarding how successful the Yellow Jackets can be this season, Dalleh said, “You might ask me this question every Monday and I might have a different answer. These guys are still learning each other and they are learning what I want from them. I believe we will get better and better. It will take some time but I believe it will be an exciting season.”