Aug. 30, 2010

PHILADELPHIA - Will Bailey, who spent the last seven seasons as an assistant at East Tennessee State, has been named an assistant men's basketball coach at La Salle, head coach Dr. John Giannini announced today.

"Having worked with Coach Bailey at Maine, I have first-hand knowledge of his work ethic, professionalism, teaching ability, character and relationships," Giannini said. "Without exaggeration, he is outstanding in all areas. He will help our recruiting. He will strive to make our players better and be a quality role model. He will also add to the positive chemistry on our staff."

In his seven seasons at ETSU, Bailey helped lead the Buccaneers to three NCAA Tournament berths (2004, 2009, 2010), an NIT appearance (2007), and four 20-win campaigns. During that time, the Buccaneers have won six conference championships.

"I look forward to reuniting with Coach Giannini and the great opportunity to coach at La Salle," Bailey said. "I really appreciate the opportunity that Coach Bartow and East Tennessee State gave me and I wish them continued success."

Last season, the Bucs won the Atlantic Sun Championship and had a 20-15 record and in 2008-09, ETSU posted a 23-11 record and NCAA Tournament appearance.

Bailey coached two of the top three scorers in program history at East Tennessee State in Tim Smith and Courtney Pigram, two honorable mention All-Americans (Zakee Wadood, Pigram) and three conference players of the year (Wadood, Smith, Pigram). In addition, 11 players were named all-conference selections.

Bailey, a native of Chicago, played at Alabama-Birmingham from 1995-97 and served as team captain of the 1996-97 squad that reached the NIT. He was selected the team's best defensive player in 1997, and was UAB's representative to the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

He began his coaching career as a student assistant at UAB, helping guide the Blazers to the 1998 NIT. He then served as a graduate assistant at UAB from 1999-2001, assisting a team that made the 1999 NCAA Tournament before moving on to Chicago State in 2001-02.

Bailey was an assistant coach for Maine for Giannini in 2002-03, with duties that included recruiting, on-floor instruction, scheduling and pre-game preparation.