Dillard University has announced the appointment of Ashanti Gray as interim head basketball coach while the University is engaged in a search for a new head coach following Mike Newell stepping down in order to address knee issues that he has put off for the past couple of years.
Newell stated, “The timing was not ideal, but it was the right thing to do. I wanted to give the new administration the opportunity to appoint someone to carry the program forward. I want to take this opportunity to thank Dr. (Walter) Kimbrough and Dr. (Kiki) Barnes, who hired me seven years ago. I have left the program with talented young men that are capable of continuing the winning tradition. Dillard will always have a special place in my heart and I wish them the best in the future.”
The University would like to recognize the seven years Newell dedicated to the men’s basketball program. During his career at Dillard, the program won five GCAC championships, was ranked in the top 25 in the nation (six of seven years) and won three NAIA national tournament games. He also led the program through two very difficult COVID-19 years. The University wishes him the best.
