Talor Battle has joined the Northwestern men’s basketball program as an assistant coach, Sullivan-Ubben Head Men’s Basketball Coach Chris Collins announced Monday.
Battle served as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Penn State, before joining Collins’ staff. He played professionally overseas for seven years before joining the coaching ranks.
“We’re excited to welcome Talor to the program,” said Collins. “His track record as an elite player in this league makes him an incredible mentor for our players, and an obviously compelling recruiter. He has a great knowledge of the game and an undeniable passion for coaching that will be great additions to the staff.”
“My wife Gretchen, our daughters and I are excited for the opportunity to join the Northwestern basketball program,” Battle said. “With this role brings a new atmosphere, culture and family that I’m already proud to be a part of. I am fired up about the vision and direction Coach Collins has for this program. I look forward to learning from Coach Collins and accomplishing special things here in Evanston.”
Battle, a 2011 Associated Press honorable-mention All-American, is Penn State’s all-time leading scorer with 2,213 career points during his four-year career. He helped lead the Nittany Lions to the 2009 National Invitation Tournament championship, the program’s first national title, and a program-record 27 wins that season. He earned All-Big Ten Tournament Team honors in 2011 as Penn State advanced to its first Big Ten Tournament championship game and first NCAA tournament appearance in a decade.
The Albany, N.Y., native is one of only two players to lead Penn State in scoring in four-straight seasons. He was the first Nittany Lion to twice earn All-Big Ten first team, first-team NABC All-District and first-team USBWA honors, and four-time team MVP accolades.
Battle finished his career in the Top-5 of Penn State’s career lists for assists (4th; 517), 3-point field goals (3rd; 317), field goals (2nd; 722) and free throws (4th; 452), as well as setting the career record for starts (131) and Big Ten record for career minutes played (4,799). He still holds several positions on single-season Top-10 stat lists.
Battle graduated from Penn State in 2011 with a degree in recreation, park, and tourism management.
He and his wife, Gretchen, are the parents of two daughters, Layna and Stella.
Battle joins Northwestern Basketball Staff
