Western Connecticut State University Head Coach Guy Rancourt has announced the hiring of Jacob Klee as a new Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach. Klee replaces Nolan Meehan who served two seasons with Rancourt and has recently accepted a position at Division I Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn.
“Coach Klee is a terrific addition to the WestConn basketball program,” said Rancourt. “His ability to impress at the collegiate, professional and international levels speaks volumes. Klee is a seamless fit into our University and he will help us continue our commitment toward graduating young men and helping them reach their goals beyond college.”
A native of Roslyn Height, N.Y., Klee comes to WestConn after serving as a Graduate Assistant and Director of Basketball Operations at Division I University of Missouri – Kansas City. In his time with the Roos, his duties included individual workouts, video, travel and equipment. Billy Donlon, UMKC’s head coach during Klee’s stint says, “Jacob’s care for people is inspiring. He loves helping his fellow coaches and players. He spent four years working for one of the best coaches in basketball, Coach Jim Larranaga and that really helped our program at Kansas City. WestConn will be better for having Jacob join their family.”
Prior to UMKC, Klee was at University of Miami for Larranaga’s staff for three years.
“Jacob became a very valuable member of our staff,” stated Larranaga. “His dedication, personality and commitment made him very popular with our players and coaches. His work ethic is second to none.”
Klee oversaw 10 managers, ran day-to-day administrative operations and worked directly with players’ individual development.
In addition to experiencing post-season success in the NCAA Tournament, Klee worked with multiple NBA draft picks, including Lonnie Walker, IV (San Antonio Spurs), Bruce Brown, Jr. (Brooklyn Nets) and Dewan Hernandez (Toronto Raptors). Klee worked with five other players that went on to professional basketball careers as well.
George Washington University head coach Chris Caputo, who worked with Klee at University of Miami said, “Jacob did a fantastic job for us at Miami. His attention to detail, positive attitude and high-level work ethic will help elevate the WestConn program.”
Adam Fisher, who worked with Klee and is now serving as the Associate Head Coach at Penn State acknowledged, “Jacob is an outstanding addition to the Western Connecticut basketball program. He brings incredible energy every single day! He is great at building relationships with the players, coaches and staff. He made the program at Miami better and I know he will do the same this at Western Connecticut State.”
Adding to his accolades, Klee has served as and intern for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the Director of Operations for USA East Coast Basketball, and a Basketball Operations Consultant for Thomas Academy Prep.
https://westconnathletics.com/news/2022/8/6/jacob-klee-joins-mens-basketball-coaching-staff.aspx
