The University of Southern Indiana announced the hiring of Brent Owen ’09 M’12 as a men’s basketball assistant coach. He replaces Stetson Hairston, who resigned to pursue other coaching opportunities.

"Brent brings valuable experience to USI Basketball," said USI Head Coach Rodney Watson. "He knows the GLVC as a player and coach as well as having a strong understanding of the recruiting, scouting, and daily operation of our program. We dearly need Brent, who is passionate about his alma mater, to help us gain further exposure on the floor, around our wonderful campus, and throughout the greater Evansville region."

Owen returns to his USI roots after spending the past two years as the head coach of the boys’ basketball team and teaching at Tell City High School (Tell City, Indiana). "Brent did a terrific job the past two years rebuilding the Tell City high program," said Watson.

Prior to the two years at Tell City, Owen began his coaching career as an assistant during Watson’s first year at USI, while completing a master’s degree in public administration. The Screaming Eagles were 72-16 in during Owen’s three-seasons as an assistant coach (24-3 in 2009-10; 24-6 in 2010-11; and 23-8 in 2011-12), winning the Great Lakes Valley Conference crown in 2012.

As a Screaming Eagle, Owen was a three-time Academic All-GLVC performer in men’s basketball. He appeared in 54 games and recorded his best game as a senior in 2008-09, scoring eight points in the win over Maryville University.

USI will enter the 2014-15 campaign as the defending GLVC champions after capturing the league crown for the second time in three seasons. The Eagles also posted a 25-6 overall record, 13-5 in the conference, a year ago.

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