Sewanee Athletic Director Mark Webb has named Bradley Pierson, C’09, as the 22nd head men’s basketball coach.
“Bradley has been an integral part of Sewanee basketball as both a player and as an assistant coach,” said Webb. “For the past five seasons, he has been the chief recruiter under Coach Bubba Smith and has made invaluable contributions to the program. In addition to his abiding commitment to the mission of the University, Bradley brings a skill set that makes him uniquely qualified to serve as head coach of our men’s basketball team. I am confident that the program will continue to thrive under his leadership. ”
Pierson takes over after former head coach Bubba Smith resigned to take the head coaching position at NCAA Division II Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.
“I could not be more excited to be the next head men’s basketball coach at Sewanee. I look forward to leading this special group of student-athletes, and building on the momentum Coach Smith has created over the past eight years,” said Pierson. “I appreciate Dr. John McCardell and Athletic Director Mark Webb for providing me with this unbelievable opportunity. I would like to thank Bubba Smith for being an incredible coach, mentor, and friend over the past five years. As a graduate of the University, I feel blessed to continue working at such a unique place and look forward to making my mark on this already successful program.”
Over the past five seasons, Pierson has played a huge role as an assistant coach, lead recruiting coordinator, and basketball strength and conditioning coach. During that stretch, Sewanee has won 79 games. That includes a record of 50-11 (.819 winning percentage) inside Juhan Gymnasium.
A year ago, the Tigers ended one of the winningest seasons in school history with a 20-8 overall record. That record was the best since Sewanee finished 20-6 in 1997-98. The Tigers also made their first conference championship game appearance since 2005 while sweeping rival Rhodes for the first time since 2008-09. That Tigers also posted a 3-0 record against Centre, which was the first time Sewanee swept the Colonels since the 1997-98 campaign.
In 2014-15, Sewanee finished with a 16-10 overall record and 10-4 mark in league play. Sewanee’s 10-4 conference record was the best since the 1998 season. In fact, the Tigers’ 16 wins were the fourth most single-season victories since the 1998 season. Additionally, Pierson led the efforts in recruiting two All-SAA performers.
As a team, Sewanee led the league in rebounds per game (35.2) and rebound margin (5.7). The Tigers also ranked in the top-three in free throw percentage (69.5 percent), offensive rebounds (11.0), points allowed per game (59.5), opponents’ field goal percentage (41.8), and opponents’ three-point percentage (34.2).
In 2013-14, the Tigers finished with an overall record of 17-9 and an 8-5 mark in SAA play. During the season, Sewanee won eight straight games, Jan. 25 – Feb. 10, which was the program’s longest winning streak in the NCAA Division III era.
In 2011-12, Pierson mentored two All-SCAC players and helped head Smith add 11 new players to the roster. That recruiting class one the largest in the program’s 90-year history.
Pierson originally returned to the Mountain after spending two years as the assistant men’s basketball coach at Southern Athletic Association (SAA) member Berry College.
The four-year letterwinner, Order of Gownsmen, and 2008-09 captain, finished his Sewanee career in the school’s top-10 in three-point field percentage and three-point field goals made. After earning his B.A. in economics from the University of the South, Pierson went on to earn M.A. from Berry in secondary education.
Pierson is married to Carla (Smiley) Pierson, who is a graduate of Shorter University.
http://sewaneetigers.com/sports/mbkb/2015-16/releases/20160408hffs9k
Photo Courtesy Sewanee Athletics
