As Lackawanna College men’s basketball charts a new path into four-year competition and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, it will turn to its past for the right captain to steer the ship.
 
The Lackawanna College Athletics Department has announced that former men’s basketball coach Raru Archer has been hired to return to Lackawanna College to reassume control of the men’s basketball program ahead of the transition into NCAA Division II competition in the 2026-2027 season, effective as of June 16^th.
 
Archer returns to Lackawanna after spending time as an assistant coach at multiple NCAA Division I programs, including assistant coaching stints with the women’s programs at Sam Houston State and Long Beach State University, as well as time with the men’s program at Norfolk State University.
 
“Raru Archer brings a proven track record of player development, recruiting, and program leadership at multiple levels of collegiate basketball. His ability to develop talent, foster team culture, and ensure student-athlete success both on and off the court aligns perfectly with our departmental priorities,” says Director of Athletics Erik Larson. “We are excited to welcome a coach with his experience, energy, and commitment to excellence.”
 
Archer got his coaching start at Lackawanna College in 2008, coming to the program as an assistant coach. After three seasons, he was elevated to head coach, where he eventually led the Falcons to a 2012 Region XIX championship and was named the Region XIX Coach of the Year.
 
“I’m genuinely excited to return to Lackawanna College and lead the men’s (basketball) program,” says Archer on his return to Lackawanna College. “This is a place with a great tradition, and I’m eager to work with these student-athletes to build on that foundation and tradition… I’m ready for the challenge and the opportunity to make a positive impact.”
 
Raru left the Falcons for an opportunity to coach basketball at Norfolk State, where he helped develop the guards for the Spartans as an assistant coach and coached a pair of guards to All-MEAC honors.
 
After Norfolk, the native Texan returned to the Lone Star State to work for Texas Grassroots Basketball, while also serving as an assistant coach for Ranger College in the NJCAA. He eventually got the chance to head to Sam Houston State to be an assistant with the women’s program, where he spent four seasons with the Bearkats. He coached a pair of all-conference selections, as well as a 2022 All-WAC Defensive team selection and a 2021 Southland Player of the Year. The Bearkats won a program-record nine-straight games in the 2019-2020 season and finished with 14 wins, their most in school history.
 
At Long Beach, Archer helped mentor several All-Big West selections, including a pair of All-Freshmen selections in the 2024-2025 season, along with a first-team All-Big West selection.
 
“As we continue our transition to NCAA Division II, it is critical that we bring in coaches who understand the standards, expectations, and commitment required at this level. Raru’s experience across Division I and Division II programs, along with his strong background in compliance, recruiting, and player development, positions him to be a valuable part of our growth,” says Larson about the experience that Archer brings. “Just as importantly, he has demonstrated a commitment to engaging with the campus and surrounding community, and we are confident he will help strengthen the connection between our program and the community as we move into this next chapter.”
 
“This opportunity means the world to me. Guiding the Falcons into uncharted territory with the NCAA and PSAC is more than just a coaching challenge; it’s a chance to mentor young men, help them grow both on and off the court, and build a legacy that lasts beyond wins and losses,” says Archer about the opportunity. “Being part of this pivotal moment for the program is a privilege, and I’m committed to creating a culture of hard work, character, and pride that the entire college community can be proud of.”
 
Archer takes over a Lackawanna College men’s basketball program that has been on the cusp the last few seasons but unable to get over the hump. The Falcons were region champions in the pandemic-shortened spring 2021 season, but have been up-and-down since then, with a pair of losing seasons in 2022 and 2024 sandwiched in between playoff runs in 2023, 2025, and most recently in 2026. The 2025-2026 Falcons went 16-16 and won three-straight region contests to make the playoffs, where they won a first-round road game at County College of Morris before falling to Mercer County CC in the semi-final round. Two Falcons were named to the All-Region XIX squads, with both Latrell Mark (Frederick, MD) and Jaksa Pejovic (Podgorica, Montenegro) named to the second-team.
 
Lackawanna College men’s basketball will of course be transitioning to NCAA Division II competition and entry into the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference in the next few seasons, and the four-year competition begins with the coming 2026-2027 year. The schedule is a full PSAC schedule, and the competition will certainly be elevated.
 
“As the new Head Coach for Lackawanna’s program my expectations are high, we will strive for excellence both on the court and in the classroom,” says Archer about the expectations for the Falcons. “I’m looking to bring in players who are not only talented and competitive but also disciplined, coachable, and committed to growing as individuals.
 
“Success comes from building a team with strong character, work ethic, and a sense of community, so the type of student-athletes we recruit will reflect those values. I want players who are driven to compete at a high level while representing the college with pride and integrity.”