St. Edward’s University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Andre Cook has announced the addition of former Hilltopper, Taylor Land as his new assistant coach.
Land has been a player/coach for the Rockingham Flames in Australia’s State Basketball League since 2014. As a coach, Land served as an assistant since arriving in Rockingham, while also holding the position of Head Development Officer. As a player, he is currently averaging 13.1 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.7 assists per contest as the team’s starting point guard. Land has also played two seasons for the Mandurah Magic (Australia-SBL), and two more seasons for Jonstrup Basket (Denmark-1st League).
“I am excited to be back on the hilltop! St. Edward’s has held a special place in my heart ever since I moved in to Doyle Hall as a freshman 11 years ago,” Land said. “The people, the campus, the teams….I loved every bit of it. St. Edward’s people have a way of caring about you that sticks even when you leave. It feels like home.”
Land’s other coaching experience includes an assistant coaching stint at the University of St. Francis (Ill.) from 2013-14, volunteer assistant at St. Edward’s (2012-13), and graduate assistant coach at Texas-Pan American (2009-10).
Land also reflected saying, “To have the opportunity to come back to a place like this is a rare blessing. This is especially true because I believe so strongly in what Men’s Basketball is trying to accomplish. I am very thankful to Coach Cook for letting me be a part of the program, and look forward to catching up with all of the guys once school starts back up.”
During his collegiate career, the Flower Mound, Texas native, lettered four years for the Hilltoppers from 2005-09. During that span, St. Edward’s compiled a 85-33 record, won three conference championships, and appeared in three NCAA Regional Tournaments. He was also a relief pitcher on the SEU Baseball team his freshman through junior seasons. In 2009, Land was named the SEU Men’s Senior Student-Athlete of the Year.
“I’m thrilled to have Taylor back on the hilltop. He brings great energy and enthusiasm back to his alma mater,” Cook said. “Most of our players know him, so they already realize that Taylor is here to work. When you are around Taylor he makes you better. He was the point guard and captain of three NCAA teams here, and that is where we hope he will takes us again. I am excited to get him here, and I am confident he will be embraced by everyone on campus like his student-athlete days.”
Land received his bachelor degree in finance from St. Edward’s University in 2009, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He also holds a masters degree in communication from UT-Pan American, which he gained in 2010.
