After a nationwide search, Lackawanna College has found its next Men’s Basketball Coach right in its own backyard. The Athletic Department has announced they have hired Landon Gabriel as the Falcons’ next Head Men’s Basketball Coach. Coach Gabriel comes to Lackawanna after spending 13 years as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Carbondale Area. He will be tasked with getting Lackawanna ready the 2020-2021 season, as he takes over a program that is in a rebuilding stage.
Coach Gabriel, who played his college basketball at Kings College, sees Lackawanna College as a school that is focused on preparing student-athletes beyond just a 40-minute basketball game. “They are big picture people who are dedicated to making sure their students succeed in all aspects of life.” While he has been at the High School level most of his career, he believes a player’s work ethic needs to be the same no matter what level they are playing at. At Lackawanna, Coach Gabriel plans to make recruiting one of his main priorities. “The local area has sometimes lacked opportunities for players to earn scholarships to play at the next level and I believe people often overlook the area, not realizing the quality of player Northeast Pennsylvania has to offer.” While Northeast Pennsylvania will be a priority, Coach Gabriel believes that many players outside of the region will consider Lackawanna, due to the opportunities and resources it has to offer a student-athlete. However, he said his players must fit in both academically and athletically and be able to have a relentless work ethic, while also being focused on discipline. “The program will be built around high character people that are motivated to see the Lackawanna College Men’s Basketball and the entire athletic department continue succeeding at a high level”.
“I am really excited for our College to announce Landon as our new head men’s basketball Coach,” said Athletic Director Joya Whittington. “His values were extremely evident throughout our interview process and that is what sets him apart. I am looking forward to getting to work with him on rebuilding this program.”
Gabriel named Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Lackawanna College
Photo Courtesy Lackawanna Athletics
