From the SCL to SEC

Former Pueblo Central Basketball Standout Lands Coaching Position at LSU

Mike Ranson (Left) poses with Portland Trailblazers guard, Caleb Love, after a workout

Many people joke that basketball is more than a game. For Mike Ranson, basketball is a lifestyle that has taken him to see many places since being an elite scorer for Pueblo Central from 2012-2016; including a playing career at the University of Northern Colorado and Fort Lewis College before trading in his basketball shoes for a whiteboard and expo marker.  His next journey, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.                  

After multiple coaching stops at Western Colorado University, Murray State, Morehead State, Colorado State University Pueblo, and a summer intern position working with renowned basketball trainer Phil Beckner, Ranson recently accepted a graduate assistant and player development position at Louisiana State University. 

Growing up in Pueblo, Ranson was surrounded by a family legacy deeply rooted in athletics and coaching. After years of hard work, and countless hours in the gym, he has earned an opportunity to join one of the most recognizable programs in Division 1 college basketball. This opportunity marks another significant milestone in a journey that began on the hardwood floors of Pueblo Central High School, most notably named after his grandfather, Jim Ranson.

A Valuable Year in Pueblo

During the 2025-2026 season, Ranson returned to his roots as an assistant coach at CSU Pueblo.

The season proved to be a pivotal step in his coaching development. Under the guidance of Head Coach, Zach Reubesam, CSUP enjoyed a successful 2025-26 campaign that concluded with a 22-8 overall record and a trip to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament. 

Ranson credits Coach Reubesam for helping him grow professionally.

“Coach Reubesam was great to work for, and I believe the program is in a great spot to succeed for the future,” Ranson said.

Although just a short one year stint at CSUP, the experience helped prepare Ranson for the next challenge in his career and opened the door to an opportunity few coaches receive. 

Taking the Next Step

Now, Ranson finds himself as a member of the LSU basketball staff where he is not only excited to get to work, but also plans to make some time for crawfish and Saturday night football games at LSU’s Tiger Stadium; also widely known as “Death Valley.”

As a graduate assistant focused on player development, his responsibilities include skill development, scouting, and video analysis–a critical role in building a successful program in one of the nation’s premier conferences.

While the stage may be larger, Ranson’s approach remains grounded in the same principles that have guided him throughout his career.