Long-time Pioneer assistant Brian Chapman has been named the head coach of the William Paterson men’s basketball program.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the William Paterson men’s basketball program,” said Chapman. “I am very excited about the future of Pioneer Basketball, and eager to get our 2016-17 season underway.”
Chapman served as the acting head coach for the final 22 games of the 2015-16 campaign, securing a bid to the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Tournament.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Coach Chapman as he begins his tenure as the head coach of the men’s basketball program,” said Director of Athletics Sabrina Grant. “His commitment to student success, academically and athletically, reflects the values of our athletic program and the university.”
Chapman worked as a WP assistant coach for 20 seasons (1995-2015), playing a vital role in helping to build William Paterson into a regional and national power during his time in Wayne. With his help, the Pioneers recorded nine 20-win seasons, made nine NCAA Division III Tournament appearances (1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2012, 2015), won six NJAC championships (2000, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2012), made two trips to the Division III Final Four (1999 and 2001) and secured a spot in the 2001 national championship game.
On the 1999 and 2001 Final Four teams, as well as the 2001-02 NJAC championship squad, Chapman worked with the talented group of Chris Lauer, all-league pick Mufeed Thomas and all-district honoree and 1,000-point scorer Ray Ortiz. He helped fine-tune the skills of two-time all-American Luis Martinez (2006, 2007), who eclipsed the 1,000-point barrier while helping to lead the Pioneers to the 2006 Elite Eight. Joining Martinez on that roster were a number of other standouts, including Jason Cameron, Samir Sanu, and 1,000-point scorer and all-NJAC selection Joey Spiegel.
Chapman also helped tutor the 2008 and 2010 NJAC Defensive Player of the Year, 2010 NJAC Player of the Year and second-team all-American Abdoulaye Ouedraogo. Most recently, Lance Brown was the 2012 NJAC Player of the Year and a second-team all-American.
A number of Chapman’s former charges have joined the coaching ranks, including Mike Gawronski at Brick Twp. High School and Rory Caswell at Toms River High School North.
Also the academic coordinator for the Pioneers’ athletic department, Chapman earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ramapo College in 1986. He and his wife Shannon have two daughters, Bailey (11) and Molly (10).
http://www.wpupioneers.com/news/2016/9/30/chapman-named-pioneer-head-mens-basketball-coach.aspx
