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Niagara University men’s basketball standout Tyrone Lewis has returned to Monteagle Ridge to serve as the director of men’s basketball operations.
“Tyrone has an outstanding basketball background, a winning background, and he will be an immediate contributor to our program,” head coach Chris Casey said. “RJ Rutledge did a great job for us and he will be missed, however, we are extremely excited to add Tyrone Lewis to our coaching staff as Director of Basketball Operations.”
Lewis (2006-10) made an instant impact to the Purple Eagle basketball program as a freshman en route to having one of the best careers in program history. Lewis became the first freshman in conference history to earn MAAC Tournament MVP as he helped lead Niagara to the 2007 MAAC title. The Purple Eagles earned their third NCAA Tournament appearance and defeated Florida A&M in the opening round for the program’s first win in the NCAA Tournament in 37 years.
Lewis’ breakout season was his junior campaign. Lewis earned First-Team All-MAAC, NABC All-District I Second Team and MAAC Defensive Player of the Year honors helping the team to 26 wins, the second-most in program history. He etched his named in the defensive record book as he set the then-single-season record with 91 steals and 2.6 steals per game, while leading the conference in steals. Offensively, Lewis averaged 16.2 ppg and was a threat from behind the arc. Lewis set the school single-season record with 99 3-pointers which led the MAAC. Lewis completed his senior season by earning All-MAAC Second Team recognition and was named to the 2010 Mid-Major Defensive All-America Team.
Lewis is fourth all-time in scoring (1,849), first in steals (250) and 3-pointers made (290), eighth in blocks (76) and 11th in free throws made (395). Lewis finished his career as the only player in MAAC history to record 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, 200 assists and 200 steals. He totaled 1,849 points, 523 boards, 222 assists and 250 steals while adding 290 3-pointers. His 86 wins are the most by a Purple Eagle. He was inducted into the MAAC Hall of Fame Honor Roll in 2014.
“I’m a proud alum who is excited to be back and the love I have received from Niagara University has been unconditional,” Lewis said. “I would like to thank Director of Athletics Simon Gray for allowing me to come back and coach Chris Casey for this great opportunity and making me a part of his program. I couldn’t be more blessed.”
After his collegiate career concluded, Lewis played professionally in Israel and in Germany. He played for Maccabi Beer Yaakov in the Israeli second division from Aug. to Oct. 2010 before suffering a torn ACL which ended his season. He returned to the United States to start his coaching career at Bensalem High School in Bensalem, Pa. as an assistant coach on the varsity team where he helped the team qualify for the state tournament for the first time in two decades.
Lewis headed back to Europe to play for the Itzehoe Eagles in the German fourth division for the 2011-12 season; he led the league in points, steals and blocks. Lewis, then, decided to continue his coaching career at Widener University, an NCAA Division III program in Chester, Pa., for the 2012-13 season. In October 2013, he was hired as head coach at Bristol Barrow High School in Bristol, Pa. where he led the team to consecutive district titles, including making the sweet 16 of the state tournament in 2014.
http://purpleeagles.com/news/2015/9/5/MBB_0905151211.aspx
Photo Courtesy: Niagara Athletics
