UW-Stevens Point head men’s basketball coach Kent Dernbach has announced the addition of Michael Russell as an assistant coach on his staff.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Pointers community and work with such a talented staff and group of student-athletes,” said Russell. “This is a special place with a strong tradition, and I’m excited to be a part of it!”
Russell comes to UWSP after spending the previous two seasons as an assistant coach with the University of South Dakota. In 2024-25, he helped guide the Coyotes to a 19-14 record, including a 14-2 home record and a semifinal appearance in the Summit League Tournament. While at USD he coached 2 First Team All Summit League players, Cameron Fens and Chase Forte. Fens and Forte were also named to the All Defensive Team while Forte was named Defensive Player of the Year in the Summit League.
Prior to South Dakota, Russell spent two seasons as a graduate assistant coach at Black Hills State University, helping lead the Yellow Jackets to a 29-6 record, a South Central Regional Championship, and an NCAA Division II Final Four appearance in 2022-23. BHSU was ranked in the top 25 of the national poll for the entire season, being ranked as high as #2 in the nation. During his time at BHSU he coached Joel Scott who was named RMAC Player of the Year and a First Team All-American, while also being named the 2023 D2CCA National Player of the Year.
Russell was also a student-athlete at Black Hills State University from 2019-22, helping the program capture multiple RMAC championships and reach the NCAA Division II Final Four in 2021-22.
He earned his master’s degree in Strategic Leadership in 2024 and bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science in 2022 from Black Hills State.
UW-Stevens Point adds Russell as Assistant Basketball Coach
