Midwestern native, former Ferris State assistant and player Josh Fleming has been named Director of Men’s Basketball Player Development at Central Michigan University, Head Coach Andy Bronkema announced on Wednesday. Fleming reunites with Bronkema at Central Michigan.
“Coach Fleming was a day one no brainer hire for me as he served as my top assistant for the last three years,” Bronkema said. “Josh played for me while I was an assistant coach, he volunteered for me, and was my top assistant. He is a budding young coach and gets better every day I’m with him. His willingness to do whatever it takes to impact winning and impact young men is second to none.”
“Josh is a Chicago area native and decorated player including three years professionally. His ability to relate to the players and his loyalty are among his many great qualities.”
“I am grateful to Coach Bronkema and Central Michigan for the opportunity to serve this University and community,” Fleming said. “I look forward to working with our players and coaching staff to bring Central Michigan to the top of the MAC. Fire up Chips!”
Fleming joins the Central Michigan men’s basketball program after working under Bronkema for a total of five years, the last three as Ferris State’s top assistant from 2022-25. Fleming, who played for the Bulldogs from 2012-16, worked as a key part of the coaching staff for two seasons prior (2020-22) to his promotion. In the last three years, he helped guide the Bulldogs to a 77-26 overall record, three NCAA Division II tournament appearances, and a 39-17 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season record. In 2023-24, Ferris State won the GLIAC Tournament Championship and claimed the Midwest Regional Championship en route to an NCAA Division II Elite Eight appearance.
A Chicago area native, Fleming helped lead the Bulldogs to back-to-back GLIAC Tournament Championships during his final two years as an FSU student-athlete and played a key role as the Bulldogs continued their success under Bronkema. He was a two-time All-GLIAC honoree and concluded his career as a 1,000-point collegiate scorer while helping to lead Ferris State to the NCAA Division II Sweet Sixteen as a senior in 2015-16. Fleming was a four-year letterwinner and starter while helping set the foundation for the Bulldogs’ march to the 2018 NCAA Division II National Championship.
Following his collegiate experience at Ferris State, Fleming spent time as a professional player overseas. He competed in Slovakia for Iskra Svit in 2016-17 and then played in Cyprus for Appel in 2017-18.
In addition to his time at Ferris State and on the Bulldog staff, Fleming has also been active in the community, serving on the substitute teaching staff for Big Rapids Public Schools for two years, while also being involved in the FSU program where he’s played a key role in recruiting, player development and coaching duties.
Fleming graduated from Ferris State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2016.
Prior to FSU, Fleming was a prep standout at Glenbard North High School on Chicago’s west side, earning Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) All-State accolades.
