JWU Charlotte has named Belmont Abbey assistant Josh Gross as their new head men’s basketball coach. Gross was listed bu HoopDirt.com as one of the four finalists for the position yesterday. Here is the official release from the college:
Johnson & Wales Charlotte Athletic Director Trudi Lacey is happy to announce the hiring of Josh Gross as the program’s next head coach. Gross will begin his new position on March 15th.
He comes to JWU from Belmont Abbey, where he serves as an Assistant Coach for the 19th ranked Belmont Abbey Crusaders men’s basketball team. Belmont Abbey recently captured the Conference Carolinas postseason tournament title, and are the number 1 seed for this weekend’s NCAA Division II Southeast Regional. It is Gross’s second stint at Belmont Abbey, having also previously been an Assistant Coach in the 2017-18 season.
He served as head coach at Gaston Christian School for two seasons from 2018-2020. He guided the Eagles to an NCISAA Elite 8 appearance, and had multiple players selected to the All-Conference Team. He also coached at J.M. Robinson High School in Concord, and was part of a South Piedmont Conference championship team that advanced to the NCHSAA Sweet 16.
Gross is ready to hit the ground running in his new position. “I’m super excited for the opportunity to lead the program and lead these young men. To win basketball games; to compete for championships, and have an impact on their lives. I’m very grateful and can’t wait to get started!”
Gross, a Washington, DC native, is no stranger to the court as a player, either. He played collegiately at UNC-Greensboro from 2001-225. He ranks 20th on the school’s all-time rebounding list with 431. He also led the Spartans in field goal percentage in 2002-03 (.520). He furthered his playing career after graduation by participating in the NBA’s D-League. He played for several D-League teams including Austin, Albequerque, Florida, and Los Angeles. He also played professional basketball internationally in both England and Japan.
Lacey is excited about the wealth of knowledge, experience, and motivation that Gross brings to the program. “Josh brings exceptional coaching skills and experience to our men’s basketball program. His experience at multiple levels of coaching will help us continue in our winning ways, on & off the court.”
https://charlotte.jwuathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/releases/20210310gcobfv
