Lander University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Omar Wattad has announced the following changes to his staff for the upcoming season.
Mike Brown, who was on coach Wattad’s staff last season has been elevated to a full-time assistant while the Bearcats are pleased to welcome Harrison Burton to the staff for the upcoming season.
Both Brown and Burton will assist with recruiting, player development and operational support while Brown will also oversee the development of personnel scouting.
“Promoting Mike was an easy decision. He’s a trustworthy, hardworking, extremely humble yet honest and direct individual. He got the opportunity to get his feet wet with us last year, and I see an abundance of potential mixed with already put together substance that helped a very young team in our 21-22 campaign,” said coach Wattad. “On the court, recruiting, and in organizational aspects, he can excel. I have all the faith in the world in him; he has a chance to be a thoroughbred in this business.”
Before coming to Lander, Brown was a graduate assistant with the University of Memphis. While with the Tigers, Brown assisted with scout plans and skill development while specializing with forwards and centers.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to move up within the Lander men’s basketball program,” said coach Brown. I’m ecstatic to be a part of what Coach Wattad is building here in Greenwood. The support from the university, community and athletic department is second to none. This year will be amazing!”
Burton comes to Greenwood after assisting the Indiana State men’s basketball team as a Video Coordinator last season.
“I’m very excited to add Harrison to the staff. I worked with him as he entered the business three years ago and have kept tabs on his development and growth,” said coach Wattad. “We are part of the same coaching tree, and the comfortability is immediate. He’ll be able to get experience with recruiting and being on the floor; both aspects I believe he can excel in. He’s a humble, organized, hard worker that we are fortunate to add!”
Burton was a graduate assistant at Lincoln Memorial the last year Wattad was with the Railsplitters. After serving as a graduate assistant for two seasons with LMU, Burton joined Josh Schertz’s staff at Indiana State.
Prior to his time with LMU, Burton played and supported the men’s basketball staff at Presbyterian College.
“I am excited to be joining the coaching staff at Lander University. As both a former player and student coach at Presbyterian College I’ve had the privilege of working with Brian Reese during his time at PC and clearly recognize his knowledge and commitment to our student-athletes,” said Burton. “When coach Wattad called and asked me to join his staff at Lander, I knew this was an incredible opportunity to continue my development and passions to grow as a coach and help an up-and-coming premier program.”
