MORRIS NAMED ASSISTANT MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH AT UNA

FLORENCE – University of North Alabama head men's basketball coach Bobby Champagne has announced that former graduate assistant coach Kyle Morris will take over full-time duties as assistant coach for the Lions.

Morris served as GA coach for UNA the previous three seasons, helping the Lions reach the Gulf South Conference tournament in both campaigns. He replaces James Wilhelmi, who left to take a coaching position at Winston-Salem State University.

"We're excited to welcome Kyle as a full-time coach on our staff here at UNA," said Champagne. "He's proven to be a very effective leader and coach, and he fit all the positive attributes you look for in an assistant coach. He will have very similar responsibilities that he has had in the past but I will obviously lean on him to be the primary recruiter for the program."

Morris came to UNA from NAIA Pikeville College in Pikeville, Ky., where he played for coach Kelly Wells. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, he earned his Bachelor's degree in business management from Pikeville.

As a prep player, he won three state AAU championships with the Dayton Salvation Army. At Pikeville, he had three injury-plagued seasons that eventually ended his playing career and opened the door for the role of student assistant as a senior. The three-year letterman made the Dean’s list all three seasons while playing for the Bears.