Head coach Craig Neal has rounded out his staff at the University of New Mexico men’s basketball program with the addition of Terrence Rencher as assistant coach. Rencher, one of the most decorated players in the history of University of Texas Basketball, joins the Lobos from Texas State University.
“We are very happy to add Terrence to our staff,” said head coach Craig Neal. “I’ve watched him over the years as a player, coached him with the Raptors during the NBA Summer League, and seen him grow as a coach. He will be a great addition to our staff. I believe he will be a very good coach for years to come and will develop into head coach material later in his career.”
The Bronx native spent a total of four seasons in two separate stints as an assistant with the Bobcats. Rencher first coached at Texas State from 2009 to 2011 before rejoining as a member of Danny Kaspar’s staff in 2013. The Bobcats were one of the Sun Belt’s best defensive teams with Rencher on staff during the 2013-14 season.
“I am very grateful to become a part of this program,” noted Rencher. “I’ve always been a college basketball fanatic, and I’ve always been in tune with this program’s history and tradition. I remember watching NC State and Houston play for a championship in this great building here. I know what this program stands for and what it’s about. It’s very humbling to be a Lobo now, and I am excited to get started.”
He spent one season as an assistant at Tulsa University and Sam Houston State between his stints in San Marcos, Texas. While a member of the Golden Hurricane staff, Rencher coached Jordan Clarkson who spent his rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2014-15. His college coaching career began as a graduate assistant at Saint Louis under the late Rick Majerus during the 2008-09 season.
Rencher spent a decade playing basketball professionally from 1995 to 2006 in the NBA, CBA and in Europe. He spent the 1995-96 season with the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns after being the 32nd overall selection of the 1995 NBA Draft. Rencher spent nine years playing in Europe following his 1996-97 season in the CBA. His professional career in Europe took him to Italy, Germany, Greece, Croatia and Israel. He garnered MVP awards in Italy and Germany while earning All-Star recognition in Germany, Italy, Israel and Croatia.
The 1991 Mr. Basketball in the state of New York is the Texas Longhorns’ all-time leading scorer (2,306 points) and career steals leader (255). Rencher also ranks sixth in assists in Longhorn history. He was named the 1992 Dick Vitale National Freshman of the Year and helped guide the Longhorns to a trio of NCAA Tournament appearances and conference championships.
Rencher is a 2007 graduate of the University of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Education with a focus on youth and community studies.
