Andre Owens was promoted to men’s head basketball coach at Western Texas College. Owens is taking over for Larren Silver, who resigned to operate a junior college scouting service and teach Spanish and Business at nearby Jayton High School.
“I remember one other time when we elevated an assistant to the head coaching position,” said athletic director Tammy Davis. “It’s good to have someone to move into this spot. We want the basketball program to keep moving forward.”
Silver coached five seasons at WTC, compiling an 82-69 record and one Region V Tournament appearance.
“I’m excited for coach Silver and his family, but hate to lose him as a coach,” Davis said. “He did a great job and set the tone for how things should be done. He was a good mentor not only to players, but other students.”
Silver won his 100th game, including high school, in the regular season finale against #24th NJCAA ranked South Plains College. He also helped 27 student athletes graduate from WTC as well as 16 signed to NCAA D1 scholarships.
“It is just the right time to make a move,” Silver said. “Coach Owens is ready to take the job. He works well with our players. I’ll be at WTC until the end of May.”
Owens was an assistant coach at Oklahoma City University for three years before joining the WTC staff last season.
As a player, Owens played at McLennan for two years and played for the University of Texas-San Antonio. He played professionally in Germany and Turkey, as well as one season in the Continental Basketball Association.
“Coach Silver strongly asked us to look at Owens,” Davis said. “Larren is leaving the program in a good position. Owens will continue to build on that success. I’m excited to have someone like him to take the job.”
Owens has been working on recruiting players for the past month.
“It has been an exciting process,” Owens said. “I’ve spent every weekend for the past month watching players at tournaments.”
Owens is looking to replace seven sophomores that signed with four-year schools.
“We want to continue to sign players with high character and talent,” Owens said. “The philosophy will not change much. We will play defense more in the face and a little more up-tempo on offense.”
Davis said the search is underway to hire an assistant for the program.
