I.J. Poole enters his first season with the Appalachian State University men's basketball program heading into the 2017-18 season.

Poole comes to the High Country after serving two years as a graduate manager at Tennessee on Rick Barnes’ staff. Poole also served as a student manager for Barnes for two seasons while an undergrad at Texas.

In addition to managerial responsibilities, Poole also held the role of student film coordinator during the 2014-15 season, filming practices and games and working with SportsCode and Synergy to assist the coaching staff. 

During his tenure with the Longhorns, the Austin, Texas native worked with a pair of NCAA Tournament teams, and Texas averaged 22 wins per season. Poole has extensive experience as a basketball trainer, providing skill and fitness instruction with Hoop Zone, Anderson Elite Camp and the Aaron Page Shooting Academy.

Poole graduated from Texas in 2015 with a degree in exercise science and a minor in biology.