San Francisco, CA – The Academy of Art University men’s basketball team has hired a new Assistant Coach, Brian Rodgers, announced by Head Coach Mark Sembrowich. After a collegiate playing career and a strong coaching background, Rodgers is a huge addition to the coaching staff, and will have a big impact on the Urban Knights team.
“Brian brings a great West coast NCAA knowledge base to the team,” commented Head Coach Mark Sembrowich. “He had a wide variety of responsibilities at his other coaching jobs including recruiting, game tape, and camp work, and we are excited that he brings all of those aspects here after coaching with such a top-notch program.”
Rodgers’s coaching experience began in 2007 where he was the camp director at Upward Basketball in San Jose, CA. There he organized all the camp schedules, and oversaw both the coaches and camp drills.
“I see this as a tremendous opportunity to build a program,” exclaimed Brian Rodgers. “Having come from an established program, there was not much opportunity to put your fingerprint on things and build it on your own.”
Most recently, Rodgers finished a two year coaching stint at Humboldt State University where he was the Assistant Coach. He worked under coaching legend Tom Wood, and helped coach the Lumberjacks to two NCAA tournament appearances. In 2008-2009, his first season with Humboldt, Rodgers helped the team to a 20-12 record. His last season coaching the Lumberjacks (2009-2010), the team finished with a 22-8 record, including a CCAA conference championship, and a semi-finalist finish in the CCAA conference tournament.
When asked what he hoped to bring to this year's team Rodgers stated, “I bring a lot of experience from the Division II level. Coming off of two 20 win seasons, I understand what it takes to win at this level."
Brian is a Northern California native raised in Roseville. He began his collegiate career playing Division II at East Central University. After playing two years at East Central, Brian then transferred to Bethany University (Scotts Valley, CA) where he finished his playing career and education. He graduated Suma Cum Laude in 2008. Rodgers then earned his MBA from Humboldt State University in 2009. “Brian is a young, energetic, and bright guy,” added Sembrowich.
Previous Academy of Art assistant coaches Sean Sweeney and Kevin White have each moved on from the Urban Knights program. “I can’t thank Sean and Kevin enough. A lot of ground work was set by these guys and their hard work,” said Coach Sembrowich.
Kevin is now the Head Coach at Kennedy High School in Richmond, CA, while Sean is exploring other coaching options. “Sean did a tremendous job in helping us cement the recruiting class for this coming year,” added Sembrowich. “I am happy for Kevin with his head coaching job, and Sean for his great opportunities, and wish them the best.”