Joe Lewandowski has officially been named men’s basketball head coach at Point Park University, announced Director of Athletics John Ashaolu.
Lewandowski, who coached the Pioneers on in interim basis for the 2018-19 season, had the interim label lifted and will be Point Park’s head coach moving forward.
“Joe Lewandowski is a high-character individual who has done an outstanding job for Point Park University. He has earned the right to lead our men’s basketball program on a permanent basis,” said Ashaolu. “This past season under his tutelage, we were able to lay a strong foundation by improving our record and qualifying for the conference tournament.
“Coach Lewandowski is committed to the mission of the University and has assembled a high-quality staff, who have done a great job in developing our student-athletes and recruiting the type of prospects who will help return our program to a high level where we are consistently competing for championships.”
“First and foremost, I am really excited to be part of the Point Park University community,” said Lewandowski. “I would like to thank Director of Athletics John Ashaolu, Vice President of Student of Affairs & Dean of Students Keith Paylo and President Dr. Paul Hennigan for entrusting me with the men’s basketball head coaching position.
“It is a great honor knowing you are getting a chance to influence the lives of young men in a crucial part of their journey. I do not take this responsibility lightly. It is with great dedication and passion that I will lead this program. Our goal is to develop young men — on and off the basketball court — who become part of the fabric of Point Park University. It is an amazing university in an amazing city. I am Proud to be a Pioneer!”
Lewandowski is just the sixth head coach in the 53-year history of the Point Park men’s basketball program. He was named interim head coach on Oct. 1, 2018 and proceeded to guide the Pioneers to a River States Conference playoff berth.
Point Park was picked last of 13 teams in the RSC Men’s Basketball Preseason Poll, but the Pioneers earned one of the eight playoff spots. Point Park had a record of 9-18 overall, 5-12 RSC last year for fourth place of six teams in the RSC East Division.
In addition to Lewandowski being officially named head coach, the coaching staff he assembled will remain as well. Top assistant coach Daryn Freedman has been elevated to Associate Head Coach as part of the changes. Christian Harbaugh will remain as an assistant coach as well. Freedman and Harbaugh both came on staff this past season.
Point Park men’s basketball has a long tradition with five NAIA national tournament appearances and five conference championships in its history. The Pioneers’ program has 723 victories and a .513 winning percentage all-time.
