Silver Waves Media Release
 
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – Colorado School of Mines head men's basketball coach Pryor Orser was recognized Wednesday by Silver Waves Media as one of the Top 50 Most Impactful Division II Head Coaches.
 
Silver Waves Media is a global resource for athletes, coaches administrators and sports enthusiasts everywhere. The purpose of Silver Waves Media is to lift up others in the sports world and highlight the success and achievements of those around us. It was founded by Ryan Silver in 2020. 

A team of researchers and a committee of professionals picked the Top 50 list. Those included are considered to be some of the most impactful people in the college basketball space. Those included in the list are considered to be some of the most impactful people in the college basketball space, and continue to make a difference at the highest level with their hard work and success.
 
Now in his 26th season leading the Orediggers, Orser is the winningest coach in the history of Colorado School of Mines and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. With an overall record of 491-248 and a conference record of 347-165 since taking over in the 2001-02 season, Orser has guided the Orediggers to six RMAC regular season championships, three RMAC Tournament championships, 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, two Elite Eight appearances and four regional finals. Six times Orser has been voted RMAC Coach of the Year and coached eight All-Americans, five RMAC Players of the Year, 12 RMAC Freshmen of the Year, 77 All-RMAC selections and 55 Academic All-America® selections.
 
Orser was one of three coaches from the RMAC named to the list along with Ryan Thompson of Black Hills State and Scott Waterman of New Mexico Highlands.
 
Mines continues their 2026-27 season this weekend with Conference Challenge action from Lockridge Arena Friday and Saturday evenings against St. Mary's (TX) and Lubbock Christian. Tip-off for both games is scheduled for 7 p.m.
 
Fans can keep up with Mines men's basketball on X and Instagram at @minesmbb. They can also keep up with Colorado School of Mines Athletics all year long on Facebook, X and Instagram using the handle @MinesAthletics.