Men's Basketball
Kates, Jake
Jake Kates
- Title:
- Assistant Coach
- Email:
- jkates@umkc.edu
Jake Kates enters his second year as an assistant coach with Kansas City in 2025-26. Kates is a Kansas City native and spent the previous 21 years as a head coach at the high school level in the metro area before his time with the Roos.Â
In 2024-25, the Roos were selected for a first place finish in the Summit League preseason polls, a first in program history. One of the most notable moments of the season was a six-game winning streak from Dec. 10 through Jan. 4 that included a road win at Wichita State, KC's first win over the Shockers since 2008-09. The Roos picked up a 73-56 win over Oral Roberts in the first round of the Summit League Championship, KC's first postseason win since 2017. Jamar Brown picked up multiple accolades throughout the season, including Second Team All-League, Academic All-League, CSC Academic All-District, Summit Peak Performer of the Week and an Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week honor.
"I love Kansas City. It is my hometown and the city that raised me," Kates said. "I am very excited about working with this basketball staff, under the leadership of Coach Menzies, as they have developed a winning culture that is player-centered. I'm very excited to help develop character in these young men."
Kates' most recent experience came as head boy's basketball coach at William Chrisman HS, where he spent the past seven years. In those seven season, he led the team to six district championship games, including two district titles, one conference championship and two state quarterfinal appearances.
Prior to his time at WCHS, he was the head coach at Summit Christian Academy for 14 years. His teams at SCA won five district titles, appearing in four MSHSAA quarterfinals, one semifinal and one state championship.
Between his time at Summit Christian and William Chrisman, Kates has over 360 wins as a high school head coach.
Kates received his college education from Pensacola Christian College, earning a degree in Mathematics Education. He is the program's all-time leading scorer with 1,951 career points and was an all-region performer for three years, earning Second Team All-American honors in 1998.
Originally from Kansas City, Kates graduated from Tri City Christian HS in Independence, Mo. in 1996.
Kates is a current Lee's Summit resident with his wife, Ashley. The pair have two children, Trey and Mason.Â
Kates is a member of the NABC and USAB, holding a USA Basketball Coaching License.
In 2024-25, the Roos were selected for a first place finish in the Summit League preseason polls, a first in program history. One of the most notable moments of the season was a six-game winning streak from Dec. 10 through Jan. 4 that included a road win at Wichita State, KC's first win over the Shockers since 2008-09. The Roos picked up a 73-56 win over Oral Roberts in the first round of the Summit League Championship, KC's first postseason win since 2017. Jamar Brown picked up multiple accolades throughout the season, including Second Team All-League, Academic All-League, CSC Academic All-District, Summit Peak Performer of the Week and an Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week honor.
"I love Kansas City. It is my hometown and the city that raised me," Kates said. "I am very excited about working with this basketball staff, under the leadership of Coach Menzies, as they have developed a winning culture that is player-centered. I'm very excited to help develop character in these young men."
Kates' most recent experience came as head boy's basketball coach at William Chrisman HS, where he spent the past seven years. In those seven season, he led the team to six district championship games, including two district titles, one conference championship and two state quarterfinal appearances.
Prior to his time at WCHS, he was the head coach at Summit Christian Academy for 14 years. His teams at SCA won five district titles, appearing in four MSHSAA quarterfinals, one semifinal and one state championship.
Between his time at Summit Christian and William Chrisman, Kates has over 360 wins as a high school head coach.
Kates received his college education from Pensacola Christian College, earning a degree in Mathematics Education. He is the program's all-time leading scorer with 1,951 career points and was an all-region performer for three years, earning Second Team All-American honors in 1998.
Originally from Kansas City, Kates graduated from Tri City Christian HS in Independence, Mo. in 1996.
Kates is a current Lee's Summit resident with his wife, Ashley. The pair have two children, Trey and Mason.Â
Kates is a member of the NABC and USAB, holding a USA Basketball Coaching License.
MBB Highlights vs. #1 Omaha
Thursday, March 06
MBB Highlights vs. #9 Oral Roberts
Wednesday, March 05
MBB Highlights @ St. Thomas
Saturday, March 01
Postgame Interview: Coach Menzies post-St. Thomas
Saturday, March 01
