Turner Battle, one of the most decorated players in University at Buffalo men’s basketball history, has been appointed general manager of the UB men’s basketball program, Vice President and Director of Athletics Mark Alnutt announced.
“The addition of a GM reflects our commitment to building a championship-caliber men’s basketball program,” Alnutt said. “Turner Battle is the right person for this moment. His deep connections to UB and Buffalo, understanding of today’s college basketball landscape and vision for the program make him uniquely suited to drive this next phase of growth. We’re excited for what’s ahead.”
Battle’s addition as general manager to lead key areas such as NIL fundraising, alumni engagement and overall student-athlete development strategy, comes as part of UB’s continued investment into the men’s basketball program. This role is designed to support the director of athletics and head coach and help elevate the program’s competitiveness in the evolving landscape of college athletics. Battle will serve as a central figure in aligning day-to-day operations with a long-term vision and championship expectations.
“Coming back to my alma mater as general manager of men’s basketball is more than just a career move, it’s a full-circle moment,” Battle said. “This University and its community helped shape me as a player, a coach and most importantly, as a man. I couldn’t be more excited to bring my experiences back to where it all started. My heart is with this program and it means everything to now have the chance to give back and help shape the future for the next generation of basketball players and men.”
A 2005 graduate of UB, Battle was a three-time All-MAC and Academic All-MAC selection and the 2005 Mid-American Conference Player of the Year. He also earned All-America honors in 2005. The North Carolina native ranks 10th in program history in career scoring (1,414), fourth in assists (458) and sixth in steals (170).
After graduating from UB, Battle had a brief professional basketball career overseas and in the NBA Development League before embarking on a coaching career. He was an assistant on the UB men’s basketball staff from 2007-13. He was also an assistant coach at Chattanooga (2013-14), UAB (2014-20), East Tennessee State (2020-21) and Middle Tennessee State (2021-22). He returned to Western New York in 2022 to serve as athletic director at The Park School.
Battle was inducted into the Dr. and Mrs. Edmond J. Gicewicz UB Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010 and in 2024 his number 11 was added to the Alumni Arena Wall of Fame.
“We are fired up to have Turner Battle back with us on the staff at UB,” head coach George Halcovage III said. “To be able to bring back one of the best to ever do it in a Buffalo basketball jersey, immediately elevates our program in this new era of college basketball. Turner will be a relentless fundraiser and an incredible role model for our current players as the first GM in program history. Lizzy, myself and our entire UB men’s basketball family are thrilled to welcome Turner, Clare and the entire Battle family back home.”
Battle will begin his work with UB in early June.
