East Tennessee State University men’s basketball head coach Jason Shay announced on Thursday that Jalen Avery has been added to the Buccaneer coaching staff. Avery, a four-year standout at Kent State University, will be a graduate assistant for the Bucs.
“Jalen comes from a very successful program as a player under Rob Senderoff at Kent State,” said Shay. “He was highly recommended because of his incredible work ethic and positive energy. He is a grinder and will help us continue to strive for excellence every day.”
During his four-year playing career, Avery totaled 899 points, 326 assists and 241 rebounds in 127 games played (89 starts). Avery, who started the last 81 games with the Golden Flashes, led the NCAA in assist/turnover ratio both during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons. As a senior, Avery dished out 101 assists to only 20 turnovers in 1,056 minutes, while he registered 121 assists to just 24 turnovers in 1,142 minutes as a junior. Overall, Avery had 72 games in his career where he did not have one turnover.
“I’m excited and appreciative for the opportunity to join Coach Shay’s staff,” said Avery. “I look forward to being able to learn and help continue the winning culture here at ETSU.”
Avery, a two-year captain, led Kent State to a pair of postseason tournament berths, including the 2017 NCAA Tournament after the Golden Flashes won the MAC Championship by defeating top-seed Akron, 70-65. The 6-foot, point-guard, scored a career-high 24 points in the 116-106 opening round win over Central Michigan, marking the most points by a team in MAC Tournament history.
