Following up on something I first mentioned on May 25 (D2 DIRT)… Marcus Kirkland has officially been hired as the head men’s basketball coach at D2 Newberry College (SC). Here is the statement about the school’s hiring:
The Newberry College Department of Athletics announced that Marcus Kirkland is its new men’s basketball coach.
Kirkland joins the Newberry College community after serving as associate men’s basketball coach and athletic director of diversity and inclusion at Wingate University.
“We had an extremely talented group of finalists for this position and Coach Kirkland became our clear choice after establishing positive connections with our student-athletes, coaches, staff, fans and administrators,” said Newberry College Director of Athletics, Sean Johnson. “We are confident that he will help our men’s basketball student-athletes achieve all of their goals and aspirations while making a positive impact on our department, campus and community.”
“I am particularly excited about the opportunity Newberry College offers because of its commitment to both academic and athletic excellence,” Kirkland said. “I am confident that my experience, skills and passion for college basketball align perfectly with the goals of the Newberry College Wolves. “I look forward to bringing my vision, energy and dedication to this role and working collaboratively with the entire university community to build a championship-caliber program.”
Kirkland completed his 13th year as a member of the Wingate University men’s basketball staff, serving the last nine years as associate head coach.
During those 13 seasons, he was part of a Bulldog program that posted a combined overall record of 229-151 (.602) and a South Atlantic Conference record of 158-99 (.615).
Wingate won a share of the 2023-24 SAC regular season title, the program’s first since 2007-08, two SAC Tournament titles and made five appearances in the NCAA Division 2 Tournament, including this season, and advanced to the regional semifinals three times.
His career at Wingate was marked by a pair of SAC/regular season tournament titles and NCAA tournament appearances.
The 2011-12 team went 21-12 and 13-5 in the SAC, winning the league tournament title, Wingate’s first conference tournament title since 2007, while rebounding from a 3-7 start .
This season’s team posted a 22-9 overall record and earned a share of the SAC title with a 16-4 conference record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.
In between, the Bulldogs won the 2013 SAC Tournament title, earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament and did the same in 2016 and 2017.
We will miss him at Wingate, but I couldn’t be happier for Marcus to have the opportunity to lead his own program,” Bulldog head coach Brian Good said. “After thirteen years together, he was much more than just an assistant coach. “His understanding of the region and SAC makes this a great decision for Newberry.”
“Marcus is going to be a great head coach,” Wingate athletic director Joe Reich said. “He is a guy with great character, great drive and great people skills. “I’m excited for him.”
Kirkland has been selected as one of 50 people to attend the prestigious 2024 NCAA Basketball Coaches Academy in July.
Kirkland has specialized in working with later players from the NBA through high school.
He spent seven years as head coach of the Hoop Nation AAU team, was a volunteer assistant coach for one year at Livingstone College and served two years as an assistant coach at Reading College.
Kirkland, a graduate of the University of Genoa, played professionally for five years in Italy. Kirkland has extensive experience as a camp coach, including seven years in the NBA and at the camp of University of Connecticut standout Donyell Marshall.
Kirkland and his wife Renee have a daughter (Captain Kerri Renee Kirkland, US Army 27) and a son (Marcus Kirkland Jr., 23). Kirkland’s father (Wilbur) was a two-time college All-American and NBA Draft pick. A 10-year veteran of the Italian professional league, Wilbur Kirkland played one season each for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Pittsburgh Pipers of the ABA. His mother (Elaine) was a high school principal and educator for 30 years. He has a Doctor of Education degree.
Keynote USA
For the Latest Sports News, Follow @Keynote USA Sports on Twitter.