We’ve mentioned a bunch of these moves throughout the summer, but here is the official release from Queens University of Charlotte finalizing their 2023-24 men’s basketball staff:
The Queens University of Charlotte men’s basketball team made their 2023 coaching staff official on Tuesday afternoon which included four new hires and two promotions.
“This staff comes from a diverse set of backgrounds, specifically cultures with winning backgrounds,” said Coach Leonard. “They will each bring a different lens for our players that will continue to help our players grow in basketball and the community. We are very fortunate to have a staff with the experience that they bring.”
Fans can read more about all of the staff members below.
Grant Leonard – Following his first season at the helm of the Royals program, head coach Grant Leonard signed a four-year contract with the Royals that is guaranteed through the 2026-27 season with possible incentives for additional seasons. Leonard has been on staff with the Royals since 2013 and Queens is coming off their first Division 1 season which featured the second highest scoring offense in the ASUN.
Charlie Wilson – Associate Head Coach Charlie Wilson received a promotion after his first season with the Royals a year ago. This season, Wilson will serve as the offensive coordinator for the Royals, a position he has thrived in previously. The former Southern Conference Coach of the Year led Indian River State College to a 48-9 record in his final two seasons, including the first two NJCAA National Tournament berths in program history and an Elite Eight finish.
Sean McClurg – After spending last season guiding the explosive offense, McClurg was promoted to defensive coordinator for the upcoming season. McClurg’s analytical approach and Division 1 experience will benefit the Royals defense, a program that surrendered 74.6 points per game last season and ranked 12th in the league in scoring defense. Despite the scoring totals, the Royals were fearless on the boards grabbing 37.3 rebounds per game which was second best in the league.
Dan Bailey – Former Queens University of Charlotte basketball star Dan Bailey returns for his second season as an assistant coach. Bailey will continue serving as the rebounding coordinator, a key stat that the Royals thrived in last season. Queens finished second in the league in rebounding average and offensive rebounding average.
Bobby Horodyski – Following a four-year stint as the director of basketball operations for BYU, Horodyski joined the Royals staff this summer and will serve as the special teams coordinator. While with the Cougars, Horodyski helped BYU land the highest-ranked prospect in Collin Chandler. Additionally, Horodoyski assisted in player development and which resulted in multiple all-conference performers.
Walt Belcher – Former Missouri State-West Plains Assistant Coach Walt Belcher joined the Royals staff this summer. Belcher will serve as an Assistant Coach/Special Advisor to the Head Coach while focusing on player development in his first season. Belcher spent seven seasons at Indian River State College working under Royals Associate Head Coach Charlie Wilson.
JR Reynolds – Former UVA standout JR Reynolds came to the Queen City this summer following a stint with the Maine Red Claws, the NBA G-League affiliate of the Boston Celtics. Reynolds will serve as the Director of Basketball Operations in his first season with the Royals. A two-time All-ACC selection at UVA, Reynolds led the Cavaliers to a national ranking as high as four.
Nick Lorensen – A student at the University of South Carolina, Nick Lorensen was added to the Royals staff for the 2023-24 season. Lorensen will serve as the Director of Video, Creative Services, and Digital Scouting while finishing his degree in Communications. Lorensen helped build a verified Twitter account which gained over 25,000 followers within the first year by covering small college basketball teams and players.
