Head Coach Terrence Stewart, in his first season leading the Georgian Court University Men’s Basketball program, has announced his coaching staff for the 2016-17 campaign. Joining Stewart on the bench in November will be James Adams, back for his second year, and newcomer, David Lafferty.
Last season, Adams led efforts in recruiting quality student-athletes, scouting opponents, and daily basketball operations. Adams also served as the team’s Strength & Conditioning coach.
“Coach Adams is a tremendous recruiter, a great motivator, and is a great example for our student-athletes,” stated Stewart. “I am confident that he will continue to have a positive impact on our program.”
James joined Georgian Court University in September of 2015 as one of the fastest rising young coaches in the country. Prior to joining the staff, he coached in the American Basketball Association, where he was an assistant coach with the Jersey Express.
While working with the Express, he greatly contributed to a team that made the ABA playoffs in his one year of coaching there. Adams organized practices, tryouts, and was also in charge of scouting. He assisted the team’s Director of Basketball Operations with community relations and game day operations
Adams comes with coaching experience at the Division III level as well. While serving as the Volunteer Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Fairleigh Dickinson University, he specialized in working with the team’s post players.
Coach Lafferty may enter his first season as an assistant coach with Georgian Court University, but the 2016-17 campaign marks his 40th season overall patrolling the sideline.
Lafferty comes to GCU from Rowan University where he coached for 24 seasons. For four of those campaigns he coached former Profs star, and current Georgian Court floor general, Terrence Stewart. He served as Associate Head Coach under three different head coaches … Dr. John Gianinni, Joe Cassidy and Joe Crispin.
“I have counted Coach Lafferty as a friend and admired his coaching acumen for the last 20+ years since our days at Rowan,” shared Stewart. “He is a great educator, a renowned recruiter in New Jersey and has a passion for the game of basketball. I am sure he is going to have a tremendous effect on our student-athletes and we are excited to have him join our Georgian Court family.”
Coach Lafferty helped lead Rowan to a 446-197 record during his tenure, including: one NCAA Division III National Championship (1996), three Final Four appearances (1993, 1995, 1996), six Elite Eight berths (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000), and seven trips to the Sweet 16 (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000).
In addition, Rowan appeared in eight NCAA Tournaments and two NJAC championship games, including 22 NJAC tournament appearances in his 24 years. The Profs reached #1 in the NCAA Division II national rankings in three different seasons.
A tireless recruiter and veteran bench coach at Rowan, Lafferty recruited five eventual 1,000-point scorers and two All-Americans.
