Coastal Carolina introduces new men’s basketball coach

CONWAY, S.C. (WMBF) - Coastal Carolina officially introduced its new men’s basketball coach on Thursday.

CCU held a press conference to officially welcome Justin Gray to Conway. WMBF News reported Gray was expected to take the job on Sunday.

Gray is coming off a stint at Western Carolina, where he led the Catamounts to a 22-10 record this past season. He had been at Cullowhee since 2021 after spending time at Winthrop as an assistant.

”First of all, I coach with no ego. I try to approach things with humility. It doesn’t have to be my idea, as long as it’s the right idea and you know how to explain it.” Gray said Thursday. “The most important thing is that the student-athletes know what’s going on.”

“We are excited to welcome Justin Gray as our head men’s basketball coach,” said Matt Hogue, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics at CCU. “He is a talented basketball mind who has won at every level of the sport. He has strong connections to the region and is considered one of the finest young coaches in the sport. Justin has a clear vision for Chanticleer basketball, and we are thrilled to welcome him and his family to Conway!”

Gray takes over for interim head coach Benny Moss, who, in turn, replaced former coach Cliff Ellis after his retirement in December. Ellis was one of the winningest coaches in college basketball history. “I can’t tell you right now, how ready I am to get to work.” Coach Gray said.

The Chants are coming off a 9-22 season and were eliminated in the second round of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament.

You can watch the press conference in its entirety below:

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