Veteran coach David Selmon will lead Grand Rapids Community College’s men’s basketball team as interim head coach with the departure of T.J. Carnegie.

Carnegie, whose GRCC tenure began in 2011, is leaving to pursue a job opportunity out of state. After coaching three complete seasons and five games this season, his overall win-loss record is 63-32. He led the Raiders to two NJCAA District Championships and two NJCAA Division II National Tournament appearances in his first two seasons.

Athletic director Charlie Wells said the news of Carnegie’s immediate departure is understandable.

"I’m saddened to see T.J. leave us after three successful seasons, but after talking to him about the opportunity before him, I fully respect his decision," Wells said. "When an opportunity presents itself to a student-athlete or coach that gets them closer to where they hope to be in life, I’m glad to see them take it, no matter how much it hurts to see them leave GRCC."

Taking over coaching duties for Carnegie will be Selmon, who led the GRCC men’s basketball team for 19 years before retiring from coaching in 2009. His outstanding 416-136 win-loss record includes nine Conference Championships and one National Championship Runner-Up.

"I’m excited to be back on the court, and it’s evident to me after the practices and game this week how much I’ve missed coaching," said Selmon. "I think that this group has a tremendous amount of potential, and I’m proud to be chosen to lead the team while the college completes the process to fill the position."

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