Ryan Van Zelst of The University of Scranton men’s basketball program has been promoted to Associate Head Coach as announced by head coach Carl Danzig this week.
Van Zelst enters his seventh season with the program in 2021-22.
“I could not be happier for Ryan to move into this new position. He has been very impactful to our program and is committed to our student-athletes by making sure they have the best experience possible during their four years at The University of Scranton,” said Danzig. “I am grateful for all that Ryan has done for our program both on and off the court and I look forward to continuing to work with him in this new role,”.
Over the past six seasons, Van Zelst has helped guide the Royals to two NCAA Tournament appearances, one Landmark Conference Championship (2017) and two Landmark runner-up finishes. Scranton has posted a 100-44 (.694) record during that span including a 57-25 (.695) mark in Landmark Conference play.
His primary responsibilities have included recruiting, scouting opponents, film study, preparing practice plans and coordinating travel plans.
During his tenure, Van Zelst has seen 15 student-athletes earn All-Landmark Conference honors and four have garnered All-Region accolades. Most recently, Logan Bailey was a D3hoops.com All-Atlantic/Mid-Atlantic Second Team pick and the 2021 Landmark Conference Player of the Year. In 2019-20, Matt Mancuso was a D3hoops.com All-Region First Team selection.
The Royals have also excelled in the classroom over the last six years, posting a 3.1 team GPA and this spring, sophomore guard Stephen Braunstein (Colts Neck, N.J./Christian Brothers Academy) was a CoSIDA Academic All-District selection.
Prior to coming to Scranton, Van Zelst served as an assistant at York College (Pa.) and his alma mater, Albright College.
The University of Scranton men’s basketball team returns to the court this winter beginning on Friday, Nov. 12 when they host Centenary (N.J.) as part of the program’s annual Hilton Scranton Invitational.
https://athletics.scranton.edu/sports/mbkb/2021-22/releases/20210820hi7qg1
