Penn State Harrisburg Men’s Basketball announces Jeff Frank and Chris Nwandu as assistant coaches for the 2017-18 school year. Frank comes to the program after being a Graduate Assistant at Hofstra University. Chris Nwandu brings a unique perspective to the staff, having just finished his playing career at Shippensburg University.
Jeff Frank was a manager at Niagara University under Head Coach Joe Mihalich. He was the Head manager for 3 out of 4 years at the program (2011-2015). Frank was part of the 2012-13 team that won the MAAC Regular Season Title with a record of 19-14. That season Niagara received a birth to the NIT and played Maryland. Featured on that team were All-MAAC First Team players Antoine Mason and Juan’ya Green.
Frank then became a Graduate Assistant at Hofstra University under Head Coach Joe Mihalich. (2015-2017) Franks’ was part of the 2015-16 team that won the CAA Regular Season Title with a record of 24-10 and received the 5 seed in the NIT tournament. They would face George Washington University in the first round. Featured on that team were the CAA Player of the Year Juan’ya Green, First Team All-CAA Rokas Gustys and Second Team All-CAA Ameen Tanksley.
Coach Mihalich said this about Frank, “Jeff Frank was a valued member of the Hofstra Basketball program as someone who contributed daily in so many ways! Jeff worked tirelessly and seemingly did not see any task as too big or too small—he simply does not know how to say, “No”! There is no doubt Jeff Frank has a very bright future in the basketball coaching profession. His effort, attitude, and passion for the game and success are an everyday thing! Coach Friday and Penn State hoops are getting a good one!”
Penn State Harrisburg Head Coach Don Friday said about Frank, “Jeff has been a wonderful addition to our program. He possesses a wide array of experience having been part of the Niagara University and Hofstra University programs. He comes highly recommended from Hofstra Head Coach Joe Mihalich, a man I have tremendous respect for. Our players and program are going to benefit from Jeff’s loyalty and hard work. Jeff will play a major part in all facets of our program”.
As a collegiate player, Chris Nwandu walked-on at Shippensburg University and played 2 years for the Raiders (2016-17). He helped Ship win the conference championship his senior year. Nwandu graduated from Shippensburg last year with a degree in economics. Before his time at Shippensburg, Nwandu graduated and was a standout player at Northeastern High School. Nwandu was a YAIAA All-Star and earned first team honorable mention in the league.
Chris Fite Shippensburg Head Coach said about Nwandu, “Chris Nwandu was a great teammate and leader who represented the Shippensburg Men’s Basketball Program in an exemplary manner both on the court and in the classroom. He is a high integrity individual with an excellent understanding of the game whom I have no doubt has a great future in coaching.”
Friday said about Nwandu, “We’re very excited to welcome Chris to our program. He has enjoyed outstanding success as a student-athlete here in the mid-state during his time in high school at Northeastern High School, and recently helping Shippensburg University to one of their best seasons in recent history. We are excited to welcome Chris to our family. I’m eager for him to share his values and successful experiences with our current and future Penn State Harrisburg players.”
Penn State Harrisburg will lean on these two coaches as they enter the 2017-18 season, when they open the season at Haverford College on November 15.
http://athletics.hbg.psu.edu/sports/mbkb/2017-18/releases/20170914ikgw7q
