Former Bobcat standout Nijal Pearson returned to Texas State Men’s Basketball in 2026 as the program’s Coordinator of Player Personnel & Strategy. In his role, Pearson specializes in player personnel and program strategy, using his collegiate and professional experience to support roster development, student-athlete development, and the overall strategic direction of the program.
Pearson had a decorated four-year career at Texas State from 2016–20, helping the Bobcats earn 82 victories during his time in San Marcos. He capped his collegiate career by being named the 2020 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year and finished as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,122 career points.
At the conclusion of his career, Pearson was one of just seven NCAA Division I players with more than 2,000 career points and 700 rebounds. He also finished his career ranked among the top 10 in Texas State history in steals, rebounds, minutes played, and career scoring average, cementing his place as one of the most accomplished players in program history.
Following his collegiate career, Pearson played six seasons of professional basketball overseas, competing in France, Finland, Germany, Romania, Poland, and Israel. His international career exposed him to different basketball systems, organizational structures, playing styles, and cultures, providing experience he now brings back to his alma mater.
Pearson returns to Texas State with an emphasis on using those experiences to support student-athletes, assist the coaching staff with player personnel and strategic initiatives, and contribute to the continued growth of Texas State Men’s Basketball.
