Following-up on something that I first mentioned back on April 13th (D2 DIRT). Coker University has officially named Brett Rector as their new head men’s basketball coach. Here’s the press release from the school:
Brett Rector has been named Coker University’s head men’s basketball coach, announced today Wednesday, April 19th by Vice President of Athletics and Athletic Facilities, Dr. Lynn Griffin. Coach Rector joins the Coker family after leading Salem University to a 39-19 record over the past two seasons. Rector guided Salem to their first 20-win season since the 2005-06 season. During this past season, Salem won the USCAA Division I National Championship.
“We are excited to have Brett join the Coker family”, said Griffin. “Brett has been part of successful basketball programs before arriving at Coker and I look forward to watching him continue to grow and develop the Coker men’s basketball program. We look forward to welcoming Brett, Cassie, and son Bryce to Coker and the Hartsville community”.
During Coach Rector’s time at Salem, he coached the USCAA Tournament MVP, two USCAA First Team All-Americans, two USCAA All-Tournament team selections, and three USCAA All-Academic team members. In his first year at Salem, Coach Rector’s team ranked #1 in 3-point FG%, #2 in 3-point FG per game, #6 in scoring offense, and #10 in total made 3s. During the 2022-23 season, the Tigers were ranked #6 in the nation in rebounds, 13th in defensive rebounds, 29th in scoring offense, and 34th in the nation in scoring margin. Prior to arriving at Salem, Brett worked with head coach Dwaine Osborne at the University of Charleston for five years. While at Charleston, the Golden Eagles won the Mountain East Regular Season Championship in 2021 and were ranked as high as 12th in the country that year and ranked 5th in the nation in field goal percentage. Over the years, Coach Rector has had over 20 athletes go on to sign professional contracts including Tobias Howard Jr. and Darius Bell both from Salem.
“I want to thank Dr. Harder, Dr. Griffin, and the committee for the opportunity to become the Coker University head men’s basketball coach,” said, Rector. “Our vision is to Grow People, Set Records, and Win Championships- this is our relentless pursuit of improvement. We will strive to be an aligned team with quality habits pursuing excellence. Our family looks forward to joining the Hartsville community and I can’t wait to get started!”
Rector has made other collegiate stops at Eastern Kentucky University, where he helped coach the team to an 18-win season (most since 2005) and a 13-1 record at home. Prior to EKU, Rector spent two years at the University of Pikeville. As the assistant, the team won the 2011 NAIA Division 1 National Championship, had a 30-win season (a school record for most wins in a season), and during the 2011 season, Pikeville was the NAIA leader in scoring, total steals, and 3-point FGs made. Rector started his career as an assistant at WVU Tech.
Rector earned his M.S. in Sport Management from West Virginia University and his B.A. in History/Political Science from Davis and Elkins College. Rector had a stellar playing career at Davis and Elkins where he was the captain of the team for three years; was the National Statistical Champion in 3-point field goals made per game (4.2), All-WVIAC in 2007 and 2008, and scored 1,249 points including 300 3- point field goals.
