ETSU men’s basketball head coach Brooks Savage completed his coaching staff as he announced the hiring of Blake Sexton as an assistant coach.
Sexton comes to ETSU from the University of Tennessee where he served as a student manager under head coach Rick Barnes from 2021-24.
“Blake started his career the same way I did as a student manager at Tennessee,” said Savage. “His experience working for Coach Barnes and the staff was invaluable, and he was a big part of their success. He possesses a tireless work ethic, a real understanding of how to operate at a championship level, and the passion and drive it takes to impact winning. His ability to do so many different things will be a huge addition to our team and his vast experience so early in his career will undoubtedly help our program continue to grow and be successful. He is a Tennessee native who is well connected in the state and within college basketball. Blake is a talented young coach, and we are excited to have him join the ETSU family!”
During his time at Tennessee, Sexton assisted with day-to-day operations, along with handling equipment, assisting at practice, helping with opponent scouting and on-campus recruiting. Sexton helped play a role in Tennessee’s success on the court as the Vols won the SEC Tournament in 2023 – their first since in 1979. In addition, Tennessee won the 2022 Battle 4 Atlantis and the 2024 SEC regular season crown. The Vols made two Sweet 16 appearances and one Elite 8 run during Sexton’s time with Tennessee.
“ETSU has such storied success as a program, so for me to be here is such a blessing,” said Sexton, who was the head student manager at Tennessee this past 2023-24 season. “I’m excited to learn from Coach Savage as he’s very well-respected in the college basketball community. I am looking forward to getting to work with this amazing group of players, as well as working with such an incredible staff.”
Sexton assisted the coaching staff with individual workouts where he worked closely with NBA players such as Kennedy Chandler, Julian Phillips and Dalton Knecht. Sexton also worked with NBA G-League player Justin Powell, along with other Vols who are playing professionally overseas such as Victor Bailey, Jr., John Fulkerson, Uroš Plavšic and Tyreke Key.
“I am thrilled for Blake, as he has worked so hard to put himself in a position to earn a tremendous opportunity like this,” said Coach Barnes. “He is a dedicated, passionate person who loves basketball and cares for those around him. This is a fantastic hire by Brooks Savage, and I am confident Blake will make a positive impact on the ETSU program.”
Sexton graduated this past spring with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Sport management with a major in Sport Management.
ETSU Adds Sexton Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
