Beaufort, SC, August 29, 2025
News Summary
Ronald Stanley Fudala Jr., head basketball coach at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, will retain his position despite a recent DUI arrest on Hilton Head Island. Fudala admitted to consuming alcohol prior to being stopped for erratic driving and has declined to take a breathalyzer test, leading to an automatic suspension of his driving privileges. The university regards the incident as a private matter, and Fudala is scheduled to appear in court related to the charges. His coaching tenure has seen notable successes, including a strong performance in the recent basketball season.
Beaufort, SC – Ronald Stanley Fudala Jr., the head basketball coach at the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB), will retain his position following an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) on the night of August 12 on Hilton Head Island. Fudala, 33, was detained after another driver reported his car swerving on U.S. 278.
According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office incident report, Fudala admitted to consuming “four IPAs” prior to his arrest. He evaluated his level of impairment as a “five” on a scale of one to ten. Following the incident, Fudala declined to take a breathalyzer test. Under South Carolina law, this refusal triggers an automatic 90-day suspension of driving privileges.
USCB spokesperson Carol Weir indicated that the university administration is aware of Fudala’s situation, categorizing it as a “private matter.” Despite the arrest, Fudala will continue in his role as the head coach of the men’s basketball team.
Fudala’s first court appearance related to the DUI charges is set for September 1, as per Beaufort County judicial records. He was appointed as the inaugural men’s basketball coach at USCB in the fall of 2022, having previously served as an associate coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he contributed to multiple regular-season championships and a trip to the 2022 NCAA Division II Final Four.
During the 2023 season, Fudala guided the USCB Sand Sharks to a record of ten wins against sixteen losses. However, the following 2024-2025 season saw significant improvement, culminating in a record of 21 wins and ten losses. The team’s performance included reaching the championship round of the 2025 Peach Belt Conference Tournament, where they ultimately lost to USC Aiken by 16 points.
The 2025-2026 academic year marks an important milestone for USCB, as it represents the first year of its NCAA Division II membership, allowing for greater opportunities related to athletic scholarships and postseason play. Previously, USCB’s teams competed under the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics before joining the Peach Belt Conference as a provisional NCAA member in 2022.
The upcoming basketball season is set to commence for the USCB men’s basketball team on November 14, with an away game scheduled against Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina.
FAQs
What were the circumstances of Ronald Fudala’s DUI arrest?
Fudala was arrested on August 12 after another driver reported his car swerving on U.S. 278. He admitted to consuming alcohol before the incident and declined a breathalyzer test, which results in a 90-day driving suspension in South Carolina.
Will Fudala remain as head coach after the arrest?
Yes, the university confirmed that Fudala will continue in his position as head basketball coach despite the arrest.
When is Fudala’s court appearance for the DUI charges?
Ronald Fudala is scheduled to appear in court regarding the DUI charges on September 1.
When does the USCB men’s basketball team begin its new season?
The USCB men’s basketball team is set to kick off the new season on November 14 with an away game against Francis Marion University.
Key Features of Ronald Fudala’s Coaching Tenure
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Position | Head Basketball Coach at USCB |
| Experience | Former Associate Coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania |
| 2023 Season Record | 10 Wins, 16 Losses |
| 2024-25 Season Record | 21 Wins, 10 Losses, Runner-up in Peach Belt Conference Tournament |
| First Year of NCAA Division II Membership | 2025-26 Academic Year |
| Upcoming Season Start Date | November 14 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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University of South Carolina Beaufort Achieves NCAA Division II Status
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USCB Celebrates Chancellor Panu’s Decade of Leadership
USC Beaufort Men’s Basketball Thrives in 2024-2025 Season
IUP Edges Out Lincoln Lions in Nail-Biting Basketball Showdown
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Ronald Fudala’s DUI Incident
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Beaufort
- WSAV: Hilton Head Prep Coaches Announcement
- Google Search: Hilton Head Prep basketball
- WJCL: Will Avery Brings Lessons to Hilton Head
- Google Scholar: Will Avery
- Democrat & Chronicle: Boys Basketball Tournament Results
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball History
- Island Packet: USCB Basketball Update
- Google News: USCB basketball
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
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