Following up on something that HoopDirt.com first mentioned yesterday (D2 DIRT). Drexel assistant Justin Jennings has officially been named as the new Head Basketball Coach at D2 Edinboro University (PA). Here is the statement the Edinboro released:
Edinboro has hired Justin Jennings as the 12th head coach of the Fighting Scot men’s basketball program.
Jennings joins the Scots after spending the last seven seasons as an assistant at Division I Drexel University.
“I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to lead the men’s basketball program at Edinboro. This is a dream come true for my family and I and we cannot wait to get started,” said Jennings. “I would like to thank Dr. Katherine Robbins and the search committee for entrusting me with this opportunity. I appreciate their confidence in me to lead the men’s basketball team into the next chapter of this storied program.”
Jennings played a key role in the Dragons success including helping Drexel to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2021 their first in 25 years. The Dragons led the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in scoring defense in 2023 behind back-to-back CAA Defensive Player of the Year efforts from Amari Williams.
“We are excited to have Justin join our staff and lead the men’s basketball program,” said Director of Athletics Dr. Katherine Robbins. “Justin’s basketball knowledge, extensive experience at the Division I level and high-energy personality will help us push Fighting Scot basketball forward. He is committed not only to excellence on the court, but also in the classroom and in the community.”
The Dragon offense saw a marked improvement recording the three-highest season-scoring averages in school history from 2016-19. The 2018-19 Dragons set the record for highest points per game average at 75.8. Drexel also had their three best 3-point shooting seasons from 2016-2020 including hitting a school-record 241 in 2019-20.
“We are going to bring an up-tempo style of basketball where we focus on playing with pace and space,” said Jennings. “Our fans can expect a high-energy, team-orientated style of play and a program that is committed to chasing excellence both on and off the floor.”
At Drexel, Jennings has served as the offensive coordinator and the recruiting coordinator. During his tenure with the Dragons 11 players were honored with All-CAA honors headlined by two first-team selections for Camren Wynter and one for Williams.
Prior to his time with Drexel, Jennings spent two years as an assistant at the United States Military Academy. In his time at West Point, the Black Knights posted a record of 34-27 including a 19-13 campaign in 2015-16. Those 19 wins were the most for Army since the 1977-78 season.
Jennings served as the head coach of the US Military Academy Preparatory School for three seasons posting a career record of 77-18 overseeing all aspects of the program.
A western Pennsylvania native, Jennings played his high school basketball at Seneca Valley before playing his college basketball at Penn State Behrend. In his time at Behrend, the Lions posted an 81-28 record. When he graduated, Jennings ranked third in career assists at Behrend.
“I could not be more excited to get back to Western Pennsylvania,” Jennings said. “My connections to the area and Edinboro are deeply rooted. The opportunity to build a family-based program in such a unique environment is one I could not pass up.”
After his graduation, he spent two years as an assistant at his alma mater helping the Lions to the ECAC finals in 2006-07 and the NCAA DIII Tournament second round after claiming the AMCC Regular Season and Tournament titles.
Jennings would spend the next three seasons at Carnegie Mellon as an assistant coach. During his tenue the Tartans scored their first NCAA Tournament victory in program history and reaching a ranking as high as 11th in the 2008-09 season.
Jennings will be introduced to the media and campus community at an introductory press conference on Thursday.
