Lees-McRae College President Lee King and Director of Athletics Marty Favret have named Desean Motley the new men’s basketball head coach for the Bobcat program. Motley is in his ninth season on staff and was promoted to associate head coach in the summer of 2022.
“I am thrilled that Desean will be our next men’s basketball coach,” said King. “As an alumnus and well-respected member of our community, Desean has a strong vision for excellence in both the classroom and on the court. Our program will benefit from his expectations, character building, and mentorship.”
Motley graduated from Lees-McRae in 2017 and has served on staff since 2017. Motley helped to mentor Nico Ashley and Ja’Quavian Florence to All-Conference Carolinas selections in 2025. In 2018, Lees-McRae men’s basketball finished the season with 23 wins, the most in program history.
Favret said, “Exciting times for Bobcat basketball!” “Desean’s passion and vision for the program stood out in our meetings.”
In 2018, Motley helped guide the Bobcats to the Conference Carolinas Tournament Championship in Banner Elk with a 75-72 win over Belmont Abbey. Lees-McRae also earned its ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history with the automatic bid and conference title.
“I am incredibly honored and grateful to Lees-McRae for the opportunity to serve as the next head men’s basketball coach,” said Motley. “This is a tremendous honor and privilege, and I want to sincerely thank our administration and everyone for entrusting me with this role. I look forward to leading this program into a new exciting era.”
Motley was the head coach of the Lees-McRae Men’s Basketball Developmental Team for the past two years and finished with an appearance in the championship game in 2025. He has mentored 11 All-Conference Carolinas selections since 2017 and three all-tournament team selections for the Bobcats.
Motley replaces 14-year head coach Steve Hardin, who resigned earlier this week.
Motley named Head Basketball Coach at D2 Lees-McRae
