Lenoir-Rhyne’s head men’s basketball coach, Everick Sullivan, has announced he is resigning as head men’s basketball coach, effective March 31, 2024.
“My family and I are grateful to have been a part of the Hickory community for the past eight years,” said Everick Sullivan. “I’m thankful for all the players, assistants and support staff who have been an integral part of my journey. Special thanks to the incredible men’s basketball alumni base for your support. Lenoir Rhyne University is an amazing institution and it has been a thrill and honor to help develop young men on and off the court.”
Sullivan has spent eight seasons at the helm for LR serving as the head men’s basketball coach. He recently earned his 100th win as the Bears head coach and finishes out his tenure at LR with an overall record of 101-112 and 73-87 in South Atlantic Conference play. His team finished the 2023-24 season with an overall record of 15-14 and 10-10 in conference play. The team won their last four of five conference games including an upset win over Wingate on senior day to finish tied for 7th in the conference standings.
Sullivan’s best season during his tenure was in 2018-19 when he posted a 21-11 record, finished runner-up in the South Atlantic Conference Tournament and made a NCAA Tournament appearance. Sullivan’s biggest upset win during his time at LR was over his alma mater Louisville at the Yum Center on Oct. 30, 2022. During his tenure, he has coached 10 all-conference players, two all-region selections, one SAC Defensive Player of the Year, and two players who were named to the All-Freshman Team in 2019-20. In his time, eight players went on to play professionally after their time at LR. Six of those eight players were members of the 2018-19 squad.
“I want to thank Coach Sullivan for his contributions to LR over the past eight years,” said Pate. “Not only has he been a great mentor and role model for his players, but he has been an outstanding leader and colleague within our athletic department and across campus. We wish him and his family the very best in their future endeavors.”
Riley McGillan, who has served as an assistant basketball coach over the past three seasons will lead the men’s basketball program’s recruiting and day-to-day operations until a new head coach is named.
A national search will begin for Sullivan’s replacement headed up by Kurt Patberg, search firm consultant with Mammoth Sports Consulting.
https://lrbears.com/news/2024/3/7/everick-sullivan-resigns-as-mens-basketball-coach-at-lr.aspx
