DES MOINES, IOWA -- Drake's Kareem Richardson has been ranked as one of the top 25 Mid-Major assistants in college basketball according to the basketball website www.collegeinsider.com

The list was compiled to honor those assistants who have done great work throughout their careers and bring something special to the staff. Richardson was ranked No. 20.

In compiling the list, several factors were weighed, including the assistant's longevity with the program, overall program success while on staff, total years as an assistant, head coaching experience, recruiting, reputation among peers, and future potential.

In his first year as assistant coach at Drake, Richardson helped lead the Bulldogs to post-season play during the 2008-09 season, in the inaugural CollegeInsider.com Tournament.

Richardson was named assistant coach at Drake on May 19, 2008, after spending the previous season as the top assistant with the UMKC men's basketball program. Richardson also served as an assistant coach at Evansville from 2003-07, as well as Indiana State (1999-2002).

"Kareem is truly deserving of this recognition," said Drake head coach Mark Phelps. "Kareem's values are of the highest level and his passion and commitment to the total welfare of the student-athlete, combined with his knowledge of the game of basketball, make him a valuable member of our coaching staff."

While in Evansville, Richardson served as the recruiting coordinator for the Purple Aces. During his four years on the sidelines, three of his recruits were named to the Missouri Valley Conference all-freshman team and one was selected to the all-newcomer squad.

Richardson's coaching career began at the University of Indianapolis from 1997-99. Richardson then joined the MVC coaching ranks in 1999 at Indiana State. In 2000, he helped the Sycamores reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the Larry Bird era in the late 1970s. A year later in 2001, Indiana State topped No. 4 seed Oklahoma to advance to the second round of the NCAAs.

Following his three-year stint at Indiana State, he coached one season (2002-03) at Wright State before returning to Evansville