Washington State University’s men’s basketball team has recently welcomed two new assistant coaches, both of whom are familiar faces to head coach David Riley. Jerry Brown and Donald Brady, who previously collaborated with Riley at Eastern Washington, have transitioned to WSU. As per a publication on Wednesday, their addition bolsters the Cougars with a coaching team deeply entrenched in the local basketball scene.
Per NCAA regulations, Riley has the capacity to recruit one additional assistant and other coaches to fulfill various roles such as recruiting director, performance coach, and coordinator of operations. The expansion of the coaching staff introduces fresh perspectives and experience to the program.
Jerry Brown, who previously served as Riley’s top assistant at EWU, possesses an impressive background in college basketball. With seven years of experience following a playing career at Fresno State and a brief stint as a professional basketball player in Europe, Brown brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the WSU coaching staff. His coaching and leadership roles at various institutions, including UTEP, Stanford, San Diego, and Denver, have contributed to his extensive experience in the sport.
On the other hand, Donald Brady, the other new addition to the coaching team, has a coaching history rooted in Western Washington. Having held positions such as head coach at Shoreline Community College and Bellevue College, Brady also boasts a strong track record in Division I basketball. His success at Bellevue, where he led the Bulldogs to the NWAC championship game twice and secured the 2023 title, speaks to his coaching prowess and leadership skills.
Riley is visibly enthusiastic about the new additions to the coaching team, citing their unique skill sets and winning mentalities as valuable assets to the WSU program. Their deep ties to basketball in Washington state and their commitment to fostering a strong team culture further solidify their importance.
In addition to the new coaching staff, Riley has been actively recruiting players from his former team at EWU, shaping the future of the WSU men’s basketball team. With an eye on both new talent and existing players in the transfer portal, Riley is working towards creating a well-rounded and competitive roster for the upcoming season.
The arrival of these new coaches and the ongoing recruitment efforts underscore the WSU men’s basketball program’s commitment to growth and success. With the collective expertise of the coaching staff and the potential addition of new players, the Cougars are poised to make an impact in the upcoming season.