Western Connecticut State University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Guy Rancourt has announced the hiring of Brendan MacKinnon to the position of assistant coach, replacing Steven Rudd who served in the same position in 2023-24. MacKinnon departs the Dayton University Flyers’ men’s basketball program where he learned under Head Coach Anthony Grant’s tutelage the past four years.
“Brendan MacKinnon is a proven winner and we couldn’t ask for a better fit in our program”, said Coach Rancourt. “He has a true passion for the game. Brendan is committed to helping those he works with get better on and off the court, which is what we embody at WestConn. I am excited to have Coach MacKinnon part of our program!”
In MacKinnon’s time at Dayton, the Flyers won 20+ games each season and numerous players went to the professional ranks, including two players to the NBA, Toumani Camara (Portland Trailblazers) and DaRon Holmes (Denver Nuggets). Loved and respected by all at Dayton, MacKinnon’s ability to help increase a player’s shooting percentages became well-known. To date, more than 15 players at the professional level have turned to MacKinnon for shooting development work.
Coach Grant stated, “I am very excited and proud of Brendan for this opportunity! Brendan did an outstanding job with our team. He has tremendous work ethic and will bring great energy every day! Brendan will be an excellent addition to the Western Connecticut State University basketball program and community.”
MacKinnon, who earned his bachelor’s degree in sports management from Dayton in May, joins a staff that includes veteran Wolves assistant coach Jamie Procino and academic coordinator Ken Reed. He will be involved in all day-to-day operations, academic progress, team travel, recruiting, player development, and game preparation. In addition to MacKinnon’s arrival, the Wolves return 12 players who went to the 2024 Little East Conference Championship game and a talented incoming class enrolled for the fall. WestConn is once again projected to be one of the top Division III programs in the nation for 2024-2025.
