D.J. Irving, a four-year member of the men’s basketball team at Boston University, has joined the Penn State staff as a graduate manager for the 2014-15 season. Irving played one season for Patrick Chambers, then the head coach for the Terriers, before going on to a successful career highlighted by all-conference and all-district honors.
"It is great to reunite with DJ," Chambers said of his former recruit and player. "He had a remarkable career at Boston University which began by leading the team to the NCAA tournament in his freshman year. Sharing his playing experiences will have a positive impact on our program. He has a bright future in coaching."
A Chester, Pa., native, Irving started 121 of 128 career games, averaging 11.4 points and 3.7 assists per game over four seasons. As a freshman under Chambers, Irving played in all 35 games and led the team in assists with 3.6 per appearance en route to America East All-Rookie Team honors. In the NCAA tournament vs. Kansas, he produced 11 points, six assists and five boards.
"This coaching staff is energetic and passionate," Irving said. "I respected Coach Chambers so much when I played for him at BU, as well as coaches [Brian] Daly and [Ross] Condon. I always knew they genuinely cared about their players. Everyone else has been great since I started here too.
"I am really looking forward to the work ahead and learning about coaching from this staff."
Irving is the fourth player coached by Chambers to join his staff. Assistant coach Dwayne Anderson and Ross Condon, director of operations, both played at Villanova with Chambers as an assistant and associate head coach. Irving came into the fold at Boston University and fellow PSU graduate manager Nicholas Colella played two seasons for Chambers as a Lion.
Irving graduated from Boston University with a degree in sociology. He currently is pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership at Penn State.
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