Brownell hires former Wichita State assistant

Grant is a native of North Charleston, S.C., and a former assistant coach at The Citadel. (Photos: Wichita State)

by CU Athletic Communications - Tue Apr 20 22:04:03 GMT-04:00 2010

WICHITA, Kan. — Earl Grant, an assistant men’s basketball coach the past three seasons, has accepted an assistant coaching position at Clemson, Wichita State Head Coach Gregg Marshall announced Monday.

“I have known Earl Grant since he was in high school,” Marshall said. “I recruited him in high school and junior college, and finally got a chance to hook up six years ago when I hired him at Winthrop.

“He is the type of person I want to be associated with, and happens to be a fine basketball coach, as well. We wish him success in his career and hope he and his family continue to prosper.”

A native of North Charleston, S.C., and a former assistant coach at The Citadel, he just had just completed his third year as an assistant coach on Gregg Marshall’s staff at Winthrop prior to coming to WSU.

“I am going to miss my basketball family — Coach Marshall and his family, Coach Jans and his family, Coach Gross and his wife, Coach Okon and his family, and Jan and the basketball staff” Grant said. “I am going to miss the players, the first class WSU administration and the Wichita State fans, who are the greatest college basketball fans anywhere.

“I would not be in this situation if it were not for Coach Marshall giving me a chance six years ago and mentoring me, and helping me develop as a coach and person. He taught me the importance of putting my family first and cherishing them. I am going to miss Wichita State and the Wichita community.

“I knew I could only leave Wichita State for the right opportunity and I found that in Clemson. It was an opportunity to come home and coach in the ACC, which was too hard to pass up.”

Grant earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in psychology in 2000 from Georgia College in Milledgeville, Ga., where he was a two-year member of the basketball team and led that school to two appearances in the NCAA Division II national tournament, including the Elite Eight in 2000, and Peach Belt Conference championships in 1999 and 2000.

Grant also earned All-Peach Belt Conference first team honors as a senior. He attended Spartanburg Methodist College in 1997 and 1998 where he earned an Associate of Arts degree.