With the start of official practice just weeks away, Alaska Anchorage men’s basketball head coach Rusty Osborne announced a pair of staff additions to the Seawolf program, welcoming assistant coach Jalon McCullough and volunteer assistant coach Ryan Engebretsen.
“I’m excited to welcome both Jalon and Ryan – two home-grown Alaskans – to round out our coaching staff,” said Osborne, whose team will get back into action after not playing in 2020-21. “They are both outstanding individuals who will contribute to the growth of our players.”
McCullough begins his coaching career with UAA after playing three seasons at rival Alaska Fairbanks (2017-20), where he appeared in 77 career games. The former point guard was an All-Northwest Athletic Conference First Team performer in his lone season of junior-college basketball at Peninsula (Wash.) College in 2016-17. A Fairbanks native, he starred at Monroe Catholic High School, helping his teams to the ASAA state-title game every year and producing three championships.
“Jalon is a young coach, but one who is excited and dedicated to beginning his career,” Osborne said. “He has already proven to be very good at skill development, and in a short time is gaining the respect of everyone in our program. I have no doubt that Jalon is going to grow into a tremendously valuable member of Seawolf basketball and impact basketball in our state for a long time. He has a very bright future and we are fortunate to have him.”
Meanwhile, Engebretsen brings his talents to the Seawolves after leading the program at Wasilla High School for a dozen seasons, where he produced six Northern Lights Conference titles, three state-title game appearances and the 2018 ASAA state champions.
“Ryan is actually beginning his second year after joining us last winter,” Osborne said. “One of the most successful high school coaches in Alaska, he brings instant credibility and has already made a great impact on our team. Despite being a ‘volunteer coach,’ he is a very valuable asset for our staff and players alike. With his experience and skill, it has been easy to give him duties and know he will get the job done. His commitment to make the commute from the Valley is a tremendous sacrifice by both him personally and his family. We will be a better program with Coach E involved.”
