Director of Athletics Kris Swogger announced the hiring of Marcus “Chief” Bryant as the new Head Coach of the Keiser University Men’s Basketball team.
Bryant said, “I want to thank President Vonk, Athletic Director Kris Swogger and the leadership committee for trusting in me joining their athletic family and leading their men’s basketball program. These are truly unprecedented times; yet, this committee orchestrated a well-organized and expedited hiring process. I look forward to coaching and mentoring our student-athletes and becoming a significant resource in their journey to success.”
Bryant arrives at Keiser after spending the previous ten seasons at Eckerd College, including two seasons as the Associate Head Coach. In his time at Eckerd, he served as the programs recruiting coordinator, academic coordinator, and helped with game plan development and execution.
“We will strive to build on the foundation that has been implemented while continuing to develop a successful reputation on the national platform,” said Bryant. “We will aim for perfection towards everything we do and build a mentality of toughness and a winning culture within the process. It will be my duty for our program to accept the responsibilities of the athletic department’s mission of becoming ‘C-hawks.’ Last, but definitely not least, I want to thank God for his many blessings, along with my wife and family for their everlasting support and confidence.”
In his time at Eckerd, the Tritons had seven double-digit winning seasons, made five National Tournament appearances, claimed two SSC Tournament Titles, and won a SSC Regular Season Championship.
The Tritons most successful season came in 2017-18, advancing to the NCAA Sweet 16 for the third time in program history. At the conclusion of the season, Bryant was ranked as the fourth-best Assistant Coach in NCAA Division II by Coachstat.net.
Bryant has worked with eight All-Conference players, four All-District selections, three NCAA All-Americans, three NCAA All-Region players, one Newcomer of the Year, and one All-Freshman honoree.
Off the court, he mentored 13 NABC Honors Court selections. In addition, two of his teams had a cumulative GPA of a 3.20.
Bryant played two seasons at Eckerd College, earning All-Conference honors in both of those seasons. He led the Tritons to the 2003-04 Sunshine State Conference Championship while making two appearances in the NCAA National Tournament. During his time, Bryant’s teams averaged 23 wins with a trip to the NCAA Elite Eight in 2003.
Bryant ended his time at Eckerd, ranking ninth in field-goal percentage (55.1), 12th in points per game (13.1), and 14th in rebounds per game (6.5).
Bryant graduated from Eckerd in 2005 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. His family includes his wife, Latara Bryant, and his children, Major James Bryant and Makensley Janelle Bryant.
https://kuseahawks.com/news/2020/6/4/marcus-chief-bryant-named-head-mens-basketball-coach.aspx
