Texas Wesleyan University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Brennen Shingleton announced today the hiring of Brady Morningstar as Assistant Coach.
Morningstar, an All-Big 12 selection at the University of Kansas under the direction of Head Coach Bill Self, brings a wealth of experience to the Texas Wesleyan program as the Rams set out to defend their NAIA Division I National Championship.
Morningstar will fill the role left by Matt Garnett, who served as Associate Head Coach and was an integral part of the Rams’ Championship run. “Loosing Matt Garnett was tough,” Shingleton said. “Myself, our team, and the University all benefitted from him, and I wish him only the best in his future endeavors. Matt and his family are just great people. He is a great friend of mine and I am forever in debt to him and all that he has given to this program.”
Shingleton went on to praise Morningstar. “I’ve known Brady for a few years, and when this position opened up, it was a no-brainer for me to see is he was interested. Brady has been groomed from a tremendous basketball background, and I’m excited to have him put his fingerprint on our program on and off the court. Texas Wesleyan is a special place. Brady understands that and that is what I’m most excited about.”
Morningstar graduated from Kansas in 2010 after spending five seasons with the Jayhawks. He was a part of KU’s 2008 National Championship team, while also helping the Jayhawks to three NCAA Elite Eights, four NCAA Sweet 16’s five Big 12 regular-season titles, and four Big 12 Tournament championships.
Morningstar made a connection with Coach Shingleton through fellow Lawrence, KS, native and former Ram Doug Compton. “It’s an unbelievable opportunity,” Morning star said of his move to Texas Wesleyan, “to work for such a respected coach who knows what he’s doing and is passionate about the game. Coach Shingleton is obviously running a very good program, and I can learn a lot from him as a coach.”
During his time at Kansas, he played in 116 games and made 68 starts. He was an Honorable Mention All-Big 12 selection and was named to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team in his senior season. He also received numerous academic honors including Academic All-Big 12 2nd-Team and the Athletic Director’s and Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Rolls.
Following his career at Kansas, Morningstar played two seasons in the NBA D League, spending time with the Tulsa 66ers (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Canton Chargers (Cleveland Cavaliers). He then played several seasons overseas in Finland, Germany, and Argentina.
The Rams are coming off the program’s second NAIA Division I National Championship in 2017. The team went 29-7 on their way to the National Championship as well as a second consecutive Sooner Athletic Conference regular season title.
Texas Wesleyan will begin its title defense on November 2, when they host Southwestern Adventist University at the Sid Richardson Center. Ram fans should plan to arrive early, as the 2017 team will receive their National Championship rings prior to the start of that season opening contest.
