Niagara University Director of Athletics Simon Gray has named Greg Paulus as the head coach of the men’s basketball program. Paulus, whose stellar resume includes eight NCAA Tournament appearances as a player and a coach, has developed his craft after 14 years of playing and coaching at some of the most prestigious programs in collegiate athletics.
“Since his first day on campus, Greg has exhibited a high level of professionalism and dedication to our student-athletes,” Gray said. “His leadership abilities have only strengthened in the past weeks and he has impressed throughout our evaluation of him as our next head coach. I have had the privilege of talking with his extensive network and appreciate the praise for his character, work ethic, and knowledge of the game. Greg has proven to be an effective recruiter and positive presence on campus and in the community.”
Paulus is highly regarded in college athletics for his dedication to the holistic development of student-athletes. Paulus joined the Purple Eagles staff in May as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, and he has been instrumental in building this incoming class for the team.
Paulus, who started at point guard for legendary college basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski at Duke University, previously served on the coaching staffs at George Washington, Louisville, Ohio State and Navy.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be named the men’s basketball head coach at Niagara University,” Paulus said. “I want to thank our President, Father James Maher, C.M., and Director of Athletics Simon Gray, for the opportunity to represent Niagara University in leading our basketball program and developing our student-athletes. This is a special place and is a program rich in tradition. We look forward to working extremely hard to make the Niagara community proud.”
Paulus was on the staff at George Washington for the 2018-19 season and spent the 2017-18 season at Louisville where he helped the Cardinals to an NIT Quarterfinals appearance. While at Louisville, he assisted in the development of two NBA players – Deng Adel and Ray Spalding.
He was an assistant coach for four seasons at Ohio State (2013-17) after serving as the program’s video coordinator for two years (2011-13). During six years on the staff there, Paulus served as both offensive and defensive coordinator as Ohio State produced a 147-66 record, two Big Ten Championships and participated in the NCAA Tournament on four occasions, including playing in two NCAA Regional Finals and reaching the 2012 Final Four.
Paulus helped the Buckeyes sign top-10 recruiting classes in 2014 and 2015 and was recognized by college basketball national reporter Jeff Goodman as one of the nation’s top assistant coaches in 2015. He had extensive work player development which helped lead to four NBA draft selections – Jared Sullinger, Deshaun Thomas, Keita Bates-Diop and D’Angelo Russell.
Paulus began his coaching career as an assistant coach at the Naval Academy (2010-11).
Paulus was recognized by the NABC 30-Under-30 program, and has attended nationally recognized leadership development programs like Villa 7, Ethics Coalition Coaches Academy, and the 2019 Collegiate Coaching Consortium.
Paulus had a successful four-year playing career at Duke (2005-09). A three-year starter and two-time captain for Duke, he played on three ACC Championship teams and four NCAA Tournament teams, helping Duke to a combined 112-28 record while leading the team in assists in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
As a freshman in 2006, Paulus was a member of the ACC All-Freshman First Team, the ACC All-Tournament Second Team and a second-team freshman All-American while averaging 6.7 points and 5.2 assists. He is one of just four freshmen in ACC history to lead the league in assists. He scored 1,193 career points at Duke and ranks among the career top 10 in assists (468), three-point field goals (210) and three-point field goal percentage (.398).
Paulus spent the 2009-10 season at Syracuse as a graduate student transfer on the football team where he was the starting quarterback and captain. He passed for 2,024 yards and 13 touchdowns in 12 games. His 67.7 completion percentage (193-of-285) is a Syracuse single-season record.
Paulus earned ACC All-Academic Team accolades on three occasions and was a two-time Academic All-American Third Team selection. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science with a certificate in markets and management studies in 2009. He earned a master’s degree in Television, Radio and Film from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse in 2010, earning 2009 Big East All-Academic Team honors.
Paulus was named the Gatorade High School Football Player of the Year (2004) and the Gatorade High School Male Athlete of the Year (2005) at Christian Brothers Academy. Other recipients of the Gatorade Male Athlete of the Year award are LeBron James (2003), Dwight Howard (2004), Kevin Love (2006), Matt Barkley (2008) and Kyler Murray (2015).
A native of Syracuse, N.Y., Greg and his wife, Megan, have a son named Preston.
OFFICIAL: Interim tag removed – Paulus named Head Basketball Coach at Niagara
Photo Courtesy Niagara Athletics
