SMU's Anthony Turner sharpens his CEO-level leadership skills, preparing to guide future collegiate programs through this prestigious WBCA development initiative.
SMU women’s basketball assistant coach Anthony Turner continues to build momentum in his coaching career after being selected for the 2026 WBCA Next Generation Institute, one of the top professional development programs in collegiate women’s basketball.
Announced Thursday by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association, the honor places Turner among a nationally selected group of experienced assistant coaches preparing for future head coaching opportunities.
The institute will take place in conjunction with the WBCA Convention, scheduled for April 2-5 in Phoenix.
Now entering its fourth year, the Next Generation Institute is designed to go far beyond playbooks and practice plans. Participants spend two intensive days focusing on leadership at the program level - developing skills in communication, budgeting, marketing, personnel management, and decision-making in today’s rapidly evolving college athletics environment.
WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew emphasized the importance of the program’s mission, noting that the modern head coach must operate as a CEO as much as a tactician.
The curriculum challenges coaches to understand the business side of athletics while learning how to lead people, manage resources, and adapt to change.
For Turner, the selection is another milestone in a career that spans more than two decades.
He joined SMU this season as part of head coach Adia Barnes’ staff, marking his third year working alongside Barnes.
Before arriving in Dallas, Turner helped guide Arizona to 18 wins and its fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance during the 2023-24 season.
Turner’s resume already includes participation in the prestigious NCAA BCA/ACE program in 2011, a selective leadership initiative that prepares minority assistant coaches for head coaching roles at the collegiate level. That experience, combined with his extensive on-court background, has positioned him as a respected voice within the coaching community.
The 2026 WBCA Next Generation Institute class includes assistant coaches from programs across the country, reflecting a wide range of conferences and competitive levels. To be eligible, candidates must be WBCA members, have at least five years of coaching experience, and receive a nomination from a current member - making selection both competitive and highly regarded.
As SMU continues to build its women’s basketball program, Turner’s inclusion in the institute not only highlights his individual career trajectory but also underscores the Mustangs’ commitment to leadership and development within their coaching staff.
For Turner, Phoenix represents another step toward the ultimate goal ... leading a program of his own at the collegiate level.