MADISON — When Wisconsin coach Greg Gard talked about his plans to revamp his staff, he reiterated that his goal is to stay abreast of changes impacting college basketball.
The hiring of guard Lance Randall announced Wednesday speaks to that desire.
A native of Montfort, Wis., Randall boasts international experience, having led Oshkosh West to two WIAA state titles as a head coach and having success with Division II and Division III programs as a college coach. , this could help universities aim to expand recruitment. base.
He has amassed over 400 wins, including over 250 at the Division II and Division III levels during his collegiate career.
“This search process was extensive and we evaluated numerous candidates at various levels who were suitable for the position,” Gard said. “We are confident that Lance will bring a wealth of experience and wide-ranging versatility to our program as we continue to evaluate and navigate the ever-changing college basketball landscape. He has stood out for his winning record since the beginning of our search. Experience coaching at a variety of levels with his passion and understanding of our program.”
Randall began his coaching career in 1994 as the head assistant coach at his alma mater, Division III Beloit College. He was at Beloit from 1994 to 1997 and served as head coach at Division III Webster University from 1997 to 2000 before moving to Oshkosh West. He led West to WIAA titles in 2006 and 2007.
He was the head coach at Division II Saint Leo University for two years from 2011-15 and from 2019 until last season. During that time, he served as the head coach at Division II Lindenwood from 2015 to 2019.
Randall had a record of 146-100 (.593 winning percentage) at Saint Leo. He was the only coach in his 60-year history of the program to win an NCAA Tournament game, leading the program to his third consecutive tournament appearance. At Lindenwood, Randall led the program to the most NCAA Division II wins in school history, his first NCAA regional ranking, and the school's first Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) tournament championship.
more:Wisconsin men's basketball coach Greg Gard has added three players through the transfer portal. Here's what he likes about each piece:
Randall's international connections include serving as head coach and vice president of basketball operations for England's professional team, the Pertemps Birmingham Bullets, from 2000 to 2002.
In the summer of 2017, he also served as an assistant coach for the Kosovo men's basketball national team. Last month, Randall was appointed head coach of the UK Basketball U20 men's team. The team will be participating in events across Europe in July. “Lance brings 30 years worth of coaching experience, including outstanding success as a head coach at the NCAA Division II and III levels,” Gard said. “Lance is well connected throughout the state, across the country and internationally in the game of basketball.
“These relationships and connections allow us to influence recruiting efforts in a variety of areas. Lance is highly regarded by his peers and colleagues.” He knows what to have and he's excited. He's going to go to Madison and start working with the rest of the staff and players.”
Randall joins associate coaches Joe Krabbenhoft, Sharif Chambliss and Kirk Penny, who holds the title of special assistant to the head coach. “I am very grateful to Coach Guard for giving me the opportunity to join this storied Wisconsin program,” Randall said. “I grew up in Wisconsin, so I'm very familiar with the history of this program, including this current team. I'm honored to work with Coach Guard and his great staff on this Badgers men's basketball team.” My family and I are excited to be a part of this team. This is part of the next step in the Wisconsin men's basketball journey. ”