Presbyterian College and Head Men’s basketball Coach Gregg Nibert announced Tuesday the addition of Steve Roberts to the staff as assistant coach. He replaces Justin Smith, who resigned in July to open his own business in Greenwood, S.C.
"I am so excited to get such an experienced coach as Steve (Roberts)," said Coach Nibert. "After Justin (Smith), who was a great friend and loyal assistant coach, left this summer I knew I needed to find someone with that same passion and dedication. I found that in Steve. Not only does he have head coaching experience, he played for, as well as coached under, Finis Horne, who was a tremendous person and great coach at Lander for many years. I couldn’t be happier that Steve is joining our staff and can’t wait to see what he brings to the team."
Roberts is coming off his 13th year as an assistant coach at Lander. A four-year letterman, he graduated in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education. While playing for the then-Senators (now the Bearcats), he averaged 19 wins a season. Roberts is still third in most games played in a career with 125 games.
"This is an outstanding opportunity and I am excited to work at Presbyterian College and the basketball program," said Roberts, who will assume his duties Sept. 1. "Coach Nibert’s career in collegiate basketball speaks for itself and I’ve had the opportunity to compete against him for a number of years. I have always respected him, not only as a coach, but also as a person. He has a strong passion for Presbyterian College and what it represents."
Roberts has been on the sideline coaching for 25 years at the collegiate level. He started his career as a graduate assistant at Winthrop under Neil Gordon for two years. Roberts coached at North Greenville College for one season before joining the staff at then-USC Spartanburg (Now USC Upstate). In 1990-91, the Rifles advanced to the NAIA National Tournament and finished 5th in the country with a record of 29-3. The following season, Roberts helped lead the Rifles to the first inaugural Peach Belt Championship, a berth to the NCAA Tournament and a No. 7 final national ranking. After four seasons at USCS, Roberts re-joined Lander as an assistant for his former coach, Finis Horne.
Since 1994, Roberts has been an assistant coach at Mars Hill, Coastal Carolina and Campbell. He returned to Mars Hill in 1999 as the head coach. After three seasons, Roberts returned to Lander as an assistant for Coach Chipper Bagwell. He has the distinction of being the only person to work for all four head coaches in the history of men’s basketball program at Lander.
"I cannot wait to be a part of the Blue Hose staff and players to help build something together that can be special, meaningful and last a lifetime."
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