Missouri State

Originally from Kansas City, Kan., Caruthers recently completed his 18th year in coaching.  His journey began as one of the founding coaches of MoKan Elite, a role that spanned from 2006 to 2014.  During his time with MoKan, Caruthers took on pivotal high school and junior college coaching roles as an assistant coach.  As an assistant under Jeff Boschee at Barstow High School (2007-2011), Caruthers assisted in the formation of a winning culture that culminated in the program's first record setting 24-win season, shifting the culture and success the program has maintained since his departure.  From there Caruthers returned to his Alma Mater Sumner Academy of Arts and Science (2011-2012) in Kansas City, Kansas where he played a pivotal role in player development and helped guide Sumner Academy to a League Title.  This dual commitment to both elite AAU basketball and high school programs helped mold Caruthers' coaching versatility.

Caruthers transitioned to college coaching in 2012, beginning with an assistant coach role at Dodge City Community College from 2012-2014.  After Dodge City, Caruthers took an assistant coach position at Chipola College from 2014-2015.  The following year he would return back to Kansas as an assistant coach at Butler County Community College from 2015-2016. During these coaching stints, Caruthers gained valuable experience and continued to refine his recruiting and coaching skills. In his four seasons at the junior college level, he developed and coached 20 players who went on to play at either the NCAA Division I or Division II level, including eight all-conference selections.

He gained his first Division I experience as a graduate assistant at St. John's University during the Summer 2016 season but was soon compelled to take an assistant coach position at DII Lincoln University(MO).  While at Lincoln (2016-2018) Caruthers helped the Blue Tigers to consecutive MIAA Tournament appearances, while helping the development of 4 All-Conference players. In 2018-2019, Caruthers would become an assistant coach at DII Maryville University in St. Louis.  These experiences broadened his recruiting and coaching knowledge, ultimately preparing him for a transformative role at the University of Nebraska. 

In 2019, he joined the Nebraska coaching staff, taking on the role of Director of Player Development from 2019-2022. Under the mentorship of coach Fred Hoiberg, he continued to refine his coaching philosophy and expand his impact on player development.  Caruthers filled several roles in the day-to-day operation of the Huskers program and also served as an analyst for Nebraska basketball games on the Big 10 Network.

Player Development 

Throughout his journey, Caruthers maintained his dedication to skill development, a passion that propelled him into a career as a skill development trainer, before he started coaching.  His work as a trainer marks a significant chapter in his basketball journey, helping athletes reach their full potential in the professional and college ranks.  He has been the personal trainer for Alec Burks(NBA) and Kyle Weems(Euro) for 10+ years, as well as Shavon Shields(Euro) and a handful of other professionals.  While coaching Mokan Elite and High School, Caruthers would train individuals from his programs, as well as youth players throughout the metro, honing his skills through film study and court work. 

As a player, Caruthers won two Kansas high school state championships at Sumner Academy. He went on to earn his degree in Finance in 2006 from Hampton University.  He and his wife, Diorlena, reside in Springfield, Mo.