MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama men’s basketball coach Matthew Graves has hired former Tennessee Tech assistant Russ Willemsen to fill an opening on the Jaguars’ coaching staff.
Willemsen replaces Ronald Nored, a former Butler player who joined Graves’ staff at South Alabama before leaving to take a position with the Boston Celtics’ NBA Development League operation.
Tennessee Tech Tenure
During Willemsen’s time at Tennessee Tech, the Golden Eagles won 19 or more games in a season four times. In addition to his on-court duties as an assistant coach, he served as the program’s camp director and oversaw the team’s academic progress. Tennessee Tech received the Ohio Valley Conference Academic Achievement Award in 2007 and 2008 during that period.
Willemsen began his career at Tennessee Tech as director of basketball operations, a role in which he coordinated team travel, produced recruiting materials and handled film exchange.
Start at Lee University
Willemsen got his start in coaching at Lee University in Tennessee, serving two seasons as a student assistant while an undergraduate before being named to a full-time position for the 2004-05 season. During his five seasons at Lee, the program produced six NAIA All-America selections and reached the round of 16 and the quarterfinals of the NAIA National Tournament.
Writing Contributions
Willemsen is also a regular contributor to CollegeChalkTalk.com and wrote the introductory article for the website’s series on legendary UCLA coach John Wooden.
Graves’ First Staff
Graves was hired in March as the 10th head coach in South Alabama men’s basketball history after serving as associate head coach at Butler. The Jaguars compete in the Sun Belt Conference and play home games at the Mitchell Center.
