The Long Beach State men’s basketball team hasn’t been able to practice at Walter Pyramid since returning to outdoor activities last month, but coach Dan Monson is filling out his bench in the meantime.
Monson announced Monday that former graduate assistant Marc Rodgers is being promoted to an assistant coach position for the upcoming season. Rodgers is filling in for assistant coach Bobby Braswell, who elected to opt out due to COVID-19 concerns.
“I had a great experience with the coaches and the team when I was here previously, and I’m excited to play my part,” Rodgers said in the official release. “I really feel like I’m back where I’m supposed to be, where I belong.”
Rodgers, 25, assisted with film breakdown as well as player skill development when he was the LBSU graduate assistant during the 2017-2018 season. Monson said he respects Rodgers’ innate coaching instincts and feel for the game.
“We feel extremely fortunate to be able to add someone under these circumstances who has great familiarity with our program, players and staff,” Monson said. “(Rodgers) has experience beyond his years and displays great basketball knowledge.”
Rodgers has been an AAU coach for several years, and was most recently an assistant coach for the Fairfax High School boys’ basketball program in Los Angeles. He played basketball at Central Washington, and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Coaching and Athletics Administration at Concordia University, Irvine.