Head coach Lennie Acuff and the University of Alabama in Huntsville men’s basketball program has announced the team’s new assistant coach as former player Derek Johnston has returned to the Rocket City.

"My wife and I are very grateful to coach Acuff and [UAH Director of Athletics] Dr. E. J. Brophy for the opportunity to return to Huntsville," Johnston said. "We feel a great responsibility to assist the program’s tradition of excellence on and off the court. I look forward to working with young men that will continue to make the passionate Charger fan base proud with their conduct on the court, in the classroom, and in the community."

Johnston played for the Chargers from 2006-10, appearing in 71 contests for UAH. During that time, the team reached the Gulf South Conference tournament each season including a championship game appearance in Johnston’s senior season, and Johnston also made a trip to the NCAA tournament with that 2010 team.

"We are thrilled to have Derek back as a part of our coaching staff," said Acuff. "I have been blessed to have a long line of tremendous assistant coaches during my time at UAH, and I know Derek will be our next great addition to that list. As a player in our program, he exhibited all the qualities that we value: selfless, committed, humble and driven."

Johnston has most recently been the assistant coach of the men’s team at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. During his two seasons there, the squad reached the national championship game in 2014 while also recording an NCAA Division III Elite Eight appearance in 2013. Playing a significant role in recruiting there, he helped bring in high-academic student-athletes including the 2014 d3hoops.com National Rookie of the Year.

"Derek has experienced high-level experience in his coaching career by serving at Williams College and playing for a national championship this past season," Acuff continued. "I look forward to working with Derek as we continue to grow our program."

Prior to joining Williams College and after wrapping up his time in the Blue and White, Johnston began his coaching career with a two-season stint at Lexington High School in Lexington, Alabama, where he guided the program to its first county championship since 1995 while also leading his team to back-to-back round of 32 appearances for the first time since 2004-05.

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