Former Lamar University standout Brandon Chappell has been named an assistant coach announced LU head coach Tic Price Friday morning. Chappell replaces Brian Burton who left earlier this year to take a position with Fresno State.
“I’ve known Brandon since his days playing at Lamar when I used to coach against him,” said Price. “He and my son developed a rivalry on the court, and later a friendship off the court. I’ve watched Brandon grow from being a basketball player to an ultimate professional.”
Chappell comes to the Golden Triangle from Arkansas-Fort Smith where he spent the past season helping put together one of the best teams in program history. The Lions won the 2017 Heartland Conference regular-season and tournament title to advance to the NCAA Division II tournament. Arkansas-Fort Smith lived up to the preseason hype after entering the year ranked fourth nationally.
The players also reaped the benefits Chappell’s guidance. He helped produce three Heartland Conference all-tournament selections – including the tournament MVP, two all-conference picks, a first-team All-South Region selection and a 2017 NABC First-Team All-American.
“Every head coach has guys on their radar for when a position comes open,” said Price. “I’ve watched Brandon on the road how he presents himself and how he represents his university. Brandon has a great presentation. He also has a great rapport with other coaches in the business, AAU coaches and high school coaches. This young man bleeds red and will be a great fit.”
Prior to his time in Fort Smith, Chappell spent two seasons in Flagstaff, Ariz., serving as a graduate assistant and recruiting coordinator at Northern Arizona University. During his time there, the Lumberjacks set a school record for wins and finished second in the 2015 CollegeInsider.com tournament.
“Words can’t describe how excited I am to return to Lamar University,” said Chappell. “Growing up here, and then getting the chance to play here and now getting a professional opportunity means the world to me. I’m going to use that as my motivation every single day.
“I love Lamar, obviously, but this is a business, so for me to make a move it had to be the right time and right situation. Coach Price was the biggest draw for me. I respect what he is doing here and the program that he is building, and I want to be a part it,” added Chappell.
Chappell made his first stop on campus as a player for head coach Billy Tubbs. A two-time team captain for the Cardinals, Chappell still ranks among the school’s all-time leaders in three-point field goals, three-point field-goal percentage and was among the school all-time top 10 in assists when he graduated. Chappell came to LU after a standout career at Ozen High School where he guided the Panthers to the 4A state title game.
