RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University head men’s basketball coach Jeff Neubauer announced today that Richie Riley has joined the Colonel coaching staff for the upcoming 2011-12 season.

Riley served the previous two seasons as an assistant coach at Coastal Carolina where he helped the Chanticleers win back-to-back Big South regular season titles. With Riley on the sidelines in 2010-11, Coastal Carolina opened league play with 15 straight victories and went on to set a Big South record for league wins in a season (15). The Chanticleers advanced to the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) in both 2010 and 2011.

“It is great to welcome Richie back to EKU,” Neubauer said. “He is a proven recruiter both here in the state of Kentucky and on the national level. I have also been extremely impressed with his ability to coach the game. We expect great things from him.”

Riley earned his bachelor’s degree in special education with a minor in English from Eastern Kentucky in 2005. The native of London, Ky., played basketball for one season (2001-02) for then-EKU head coach Travis Ford.

Riley began his collegiate coaching career as a volunteer assistant coach at Georgetown College for two years (2003-05) before moving on to the University of Hawai’i-Pacific for the 2005-06 season.

From 2006-09, Riley served as the recruiting coordinator for Pikeville College. While at Pikeville, Riley was recognized for his recruiting abilities by being named the ‘Top NAIA Assistant Coach’ by the RecruitingRumors.com web site. He was promoted to associate head coach for the 2008-09 season and helped the Bears finish 20-12 overall.

TRANSACTIONS
Eastern Kentucky University – Announced the hiring of Richie Riley as an assistant men’s basketball coach.