Following up on a rumor that HoopDirt.com posted earlier this week (DII Dirt)…
Lincoln University has announced the hiring of its’ new Head Men’s Basketball Coach Doug Overton. Coach Overton is a Philadelphia Basketball legend. A graduate of Dobbins Technical High school, Overton helped his team to a city championship playing alongside Philadelphia Hoop legends Bo Kimble and Hank Gathers. From there he went on to star at LaSalle University where he scored more than 1700 points and earned a place not only in the LaSalle University Hall of Athletes but also the Big Five and Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
After a stellar collegiate career which included leading his team to three NCAA appearances he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary/Special Education. Doug Overton was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1992 and had a 12 year career playing for a number of teams including the Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers. After his playing career ended, Coach Overton was the first retired player to enter the NBA Assistant Coaches Program.
His coaching career includes stints with the NBA Basketball without Borders program in Beijing, China, Nike Skills Academy and time coaching youth in Barcelona, Spain and Australia. Throughout his playing career and to this day Coach Overton kept his roots in Philadelphia and continued to give back. He created the DOBC better known as the Doug Overton Basketball Camp in 1992. This camp is the longest consecutively run free basketball camp for inner city youth in Philadelphia history. He is also the founder of the ” No Opponent Basketball Academy” a program designed to help students ages 6-17 develop life and basketball skills within the Philadelphia tristate area.
After working with Head Coach Phil Martelli at St Joseph University, Doug Overton is now ready to take the helm of his own program. He brings to Lincoln University the knowledge and experience that can only be gained by someone who has lived the dream that many who come to Lincoln have. His story will resonate with not only our basketball players but also the young men and women who come to Lincoln University from Philadelphia with a dream and hopes of improving their lives.
During the press conference held Thursday May 12, at Lincoln’s Center City Campus Dr. Pope introduced Overton to the major media networks who covered him as a star at LaSalle University by saying “we know that Coach Overton has the knowledge and experience necessary to take Lincoln’s program to the top of the CIAA conference and we are more than excited. Normally as an AD I look forward to the quiet at the end of a long academic year. Right now I can’t wait until October when the basketball season starts”. Coach Overton has spoken to the current players on the team and they are excited and have already begun working out for their new coach. They know that on the first day of practice a new era will begin and the expectations of them and the program will be high. That’s what Coach Overton brings to Lincoln University and I wouldn’t want it any other way”.
When Overton spoke he mentioned that early on he dreamed of being a teacher. “I don’t feel like this is something I’m not ready for,” Overton said. “I’m prepared. I’ve been preparing myself for a long time for this. I always wanted to be a teacher. I graduated from La Salle as an education major, and here’s my chance to teach at the college level.” The AD says “the University is excited to have someone with Doug Overton’s experience and passion for serving his community. We have someone who can teach and be the example and that is something to be excited about. We are looking forward to this new era in Lincoln Lions Athletics”.
The alumni and friends of Dobbins and LaSalle took pride when he made his debut in the NBA. He is certainly someone who knows how to leave a mark. He was a point guard for a reason says Pope. “He makes things happen and creates opportunity for others. This has been his life’s work which is evident when you consider the Doug Overton Basketball Camp and The No Opponent Basketball Academy he founded”.
It should also be noted, Overton is no stranger to Lincoln University as he spoke emotionally about his uncle Joe who is a Lincoln alum and a niece who just finished her freshmen year. “I had family members that graduated from Lincoln,” Overton said. “They were some of the first in our family to go to college. I remember going to those graduations at Lincoln and that inspired me to further myself.” Interim President Dr. Green was on hand at the press conference and remarked “I’m looking for great things from you. He went on to say “I can’t wait to see how he lifts our program”.
Today a new era began for Lion’s Athletics and it has its roots in north Philadelphia. Doug Overton, a name that resonates with Big Five fans and NBA rosters has come to Lincoln University to share what he has learned and lead the Lions. Welcome to Lincoln Coach Overton, your arrival and mission is appropriate and fits in well with the old Orange and Blue – An institution that has for more than 160 years continued the legacy of excellence.
http://lulions.com/news/2016/5/12/doug-overton-is-the-new-head-mens-basketball-coach.aspx
Photo Courtesy LU Athletics
