The University of Pennsylvania’s John R. Rockwell Head Coach of Men’s Basketball, Steve Donahue, has announced the promotion of Nat Graham to the position of Associate Head Coach on his coaching staff.
Graham enters fifth season on the Penn men’s basketball staff in 2018-19, and he has been on the bench with Coach Donahue for a total of 12 years at Cornell (5), Boston College (4) and Penn (3). While at BC, he was Donahue’s Associate Head Coach for three seasons. Graham also played on two championship teams at Penn when Donahue was an assistant coach with the Quakers.
“I am very happy to promote Nat to Associate Head Coach,” said Donahue, who enters his fourth season at Penn’s head coach. “His leadership and mentoring over the last three seasons is a big reason why we achieved the success we have. He is a terrific recruiter and as good as there is in the tactical side of the game.”
“I want to thank Steve Donahue and the Penn administration for their belief in me and for the opportunity to continue working at my alma mater in an expanded role,” said Graham. “I appreciate Steve’s mentorship throughout my career. I’m proud to be a part of a basketball program with such a rich tradition and an institution that is both elite and inclusive. As a staff, we are fortunate to work with outstanding young men and talented student-athletes. I am excited for the future of the program and continuing to be a part of such a special place.”
Penn went 24-9 overall in 2017-18 and won a share of the Ivy League title with a 12-2 mark in conference play. The Quakers then won the Ivy League Tournament with wins over Yale and co-champion Harvard, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 11 years where they lost 76-60 to top-seeded Kansas in Wichita, Kan. Following the season, sophomore forward AJ Brodeur was named first-team All-Ivy and NABC All-District as well as second-team All-ECAC and All-Big 5. Another sophomore, Ryan Betley, was second-team All-Ivy, NABC All-District, and All-Big 5, while a third Penn player (Darnell Foreman) received honorable mention All-Ivy recognition.
