Nate Laing has been named the Kentucky Wesleyan College assistant men’s basketball coach as announced by Head Coach Drew Cooper on Monday.

“Nate’s enthusiasm behind what Kentucky Wesleyan’s vision is stood out.  His Dad is an extremely respected name in the business so if bloodlines have anything to do with it, Nate’s future in coaching is very bright,” commented Cooper.  “I very much respect that Nate wanted to come to Kentucky and make a name for himself by making an impact as a recruiter, scouter and in every other facet of our program.  The same edge that made him a successful player, Nate has as a coach and we are thrilled to have him.”

Laing comes to Wesleyan from the University of Central Florida where he played for Head Coach Johnny Dawkins and served as a student assistant upon completing his playing career.  While in Orlando, Fla., Laing helped the Knights accumulate 43 wins in two seasons along with a trip to the Final Four of the NIT.  The Knights had one of the toughest defenses in the country, leading the nation in opponents field goal percentage in his first year, and ranking third in the nation during his second season.

“I am excited to be joining Coach Cooper’s staff at Wesleyan.  I am looking forward to working at an institution with such a tremendous tradition,” noted Laing.  “This is a day that I’ve dreamed of… being able to give back what so many have given to me and to lead young men in life and the game of basketball.  I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that Coach Cooper has given me.”

Prior to UCF, Laing spent three years at Jacksonville State University under Head Coach James Green where he was a walk on. Laing transitioned to a student assistant after a season ending injury.

Laing has worked numerous camps over his career including Campbell University Basketball School (Buies Creek, N.C.), Mark Gottfried Basketball Camp (Raleigh, N.C.), Leonard Hamilton Basketball Camp (Tallahassee, Fla.), Steve Prohm Basketball Camp (Ames, Ia.) and Johnny Dawkins Basketball Camp (Orlando, Fla.)

In 2016, Laing earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Jacksonville State University before completing a Master of Career and Technical Education at University of Central Florida in 2018.

Laing graduated from Harnett Central High School in Buies Creek, N.C. where he was a three sport athlete, playing basketball, football and soccer.  During his senior season, he was named the Male Athlete of the Year and the Most Valuable Player for the basketball team.  He was an all-conference selection both his junior and senior season.

Nathan Laing is the son of Dana and Robert Laing, the assistant basketball coach at the University of Central Florida.  Nathan is the middle child of five with two older brothers, Earl Duncan and Christian, and two younger sisters, Ansley Rae and Madison.

https://kwcpanthers.com/news/2018/8/27/nate-laing-joins-mens-basketball-coaching-staff.aspx