Queens University of Charlotte head men’s basketball coach Grant Leonard is pleased to welcome J.R. Reynolds as the Director of Basketball Operations. The former professional basketball player comes to the Queen City following a season as an assistant coach with the Maine Celtics, the NBA G League affiliate of the Boston Celtics.
“We are very fortunate to add JR to our staff,” said Leonard. “He was a high-level player at the University of Virginia but also played 13 years as a professional player. His past experience as a player and a coach will serve our players as a phenomenal example of how basketball can change their lives. We all look forward to seeing what JR accomplishes in coaching going forward.”
Last season, Reynolds served as an assistant coach with the Maine Celtics and was responsible for scouting and player development. Reynolds created and delivered individual player practice plans and gameday film breakdowns while designing and participating in team drills and practices.
Prior to working in Maine, Reynolds spent a season in Daytona Beach, Florida as the head basketball coach of DME Academy, a post-graduate team. Reynolds constructed and implemented team practices, game film breakdowns, and individual and team skill development while formulating individual action plans for targeted basketball development improvements. Reynolds was also responsible for monitoring student-athlete academic progress and implementing team-building activities.
Before getting into coaching, Reynolds played professionally overseas for 13 seasons with three separate organizations. His professional career began in France with Limoges CSP where he assisted them to winning two French League Championships in 2009 and 2014. Reynolds would transition to Montenegro for two seasons playing with Buducnost Podgorica. While there, Reynolds led the team to a pair of Montenegrin Championships and Montenegrin Cups in 2015 and 2017. Reynolds final professional stop was back in France with Poiters PB86 where he led the team as a veteran. Reynolds promoted the team publicly resulting in an increase in revenue.
Reynolds graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. With the Cavaliers, Reynolds led the team as the starting point guard to a number four ranking in the country. While in Charlottesville, Reynolds was named Third Team All-ACC in 2006 and Second Team All-ACC in 2007. Prior to signing with UVA, Reynolds was awarded Virginia Mr. Basketball 2003.
“I am humbled and excited to be joining Coach Leonard and the Queens Men’s Basketball staff,” said Reynolds. “I am looking forward to continuing the traditions of this excellent program providing support to our staff and student-athletes at the highest level.”
The Royals’ success in their inaugural Division 1 season came from a significant number of players who will be returning. AJ McKee was one of the most consistent performers for Queens reaching double figures in 31-of-33 games and being named ASUN Third Team All-Conference. The Charlotte native averaged 15.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game as he was top 10 in the ASUN in scoring. Prior to going down with a season-ending injury, Gavin Rains led the league in rebounds bringing down 10.2 boards per game. BJ McLaurin, Kalib Mathews, and Chris Ashby are also key returners for the Royals as the trio averaged 23.2 minutes, 8.3 points, and 2.9 rebounds per game.
Former UVA and Professional Standout JR Reynolds Joins Queens University Men’s Basketball Coaching Staff
