The Medaille College Men’s Basketball program announced the appointments of two new Assistant Coaches, along with a promotion to a familiar face.
Greg Bean, who has been an Assistant Coach for the Mavericks over the past two seasons, has been promoted to Associate Head Coach by Head Coach Mike Blaine. Since Bean has joined the Medaille staff the Men’s Basketball team has won 32 games overall and 25 games in conference play. Last year he helped lead the Mavericks to one of their most successful season in history, winning 21 games overall, 16 in AMCC play and winning the Conference Championship en route to the programs fifth NCAA Tournament appearance.
“Greg has played an integral role in our growth and success over the past two seasons,” explained Coach Blaine. “He is heavily involved in all aspects of our program. His previous head coaching experience and accomplishments at Medaille over the last two years show that he is ready to take the next step in his coaching career.”
Joining the staff for his first year in a coaching role is last year’s AMCC Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year Johnathan Belton. Belton will be entering his first year of coaching after a marvelous three year career as a player for the Blue and Gold. He secured 1,000 points in just three seasons as a Mav; was named to the AMCC All-Conference Second Team as a junior and First Team as a senior; lead the NCAA in total steals with 91 as a senior; and was the first Maverick in school history to be selected to the Reese’s Division III College NABC All-Star Game.
In addition he was also named to the NABC Great Lakes District First Team, as well as In his three season Medaille Men’s Basketball won 51 games overall and 39 games in conference play, capturing the AMCC Tournament Championship and conferences NCAA automatic tournament bid twice.
“Johnathan has left his mark on the Medaille record books over the last three seasons and as a player he often acted as a coach on the court,” explained Coach Blaine. “He has a detailed understanding of our program and what we must do to succeed. I am confident that he will be an outstanding coach.”
The final addition to the Men’s Basketball staff for the 2017-18 season is Kevin Simpson, who joins Medaille after numerous successful stops across the city of Buffalo. Simpson graduated from D’Youville College with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 2013 and has been coaching in the greater Buffalo area since.
After stops at Mount St. Mary’s Academy in Kenmore and Health Science Charter School in Buffalo, Simpson made the jump to collegiate coaching last season with Villa Maria College in Cheektowaga. While at Villa Maria he helped recruit and run many aspects of the Women’s Basketball program, while helping coach the Vikings to the USCAA Division II National Tournament Semifinals.
“Kevin has built great connections in the Buffalo basketball community,” said Coach Blaine. “He has a strong understanding of how to properly teach the fundamentals of the game and does a great job building relationships with players. He will be a strong addition to our staff.”
The Men’s Basketball season kicks off in just over a week when they Mavs host Nazareth College on Wednesday, November 15 at 6:00 pm for SPCA Night In the Sullivan Center.
http://www.medaillesports.com/news/2017/11/7/mens-basketball-announces-new-coaching-assignments.aspx
