The Francis Marion University men's basketball team has been a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Division II for many years. Based in Florence, South Carolina, the team has a rich history of producing talented players and competing at a high level. In this article, we will take a closer look at the team's profile, including their history, coaching staff, notable players, and achievements.
History of the Program
The Francis Marion University men's basketball program was established in 1970, and since then, it has experienced its fair share of successes and setbacks. In the early years, the team competed in the NAIA before transitioning to the NCAA Division II in 1985. Over the years, the program has produced several conference championships, tournament appearances, and notable players who have gone on to play professionally.
Coaching Staff
The current head coach of the Francis Marion University men's basketball team is Gary Edwards. Edwards has been at the helm of the program since 2004 and has led the team to several conference championships and tournament appearances. Under his leadership, the team has consistently competed at a high level, producing several All-Americans and professional players.
Notable Players
Several notable players have donned the Francis Marion University men's basketball jersey over the years. Some of the most notable include:
- Evrik Gary, a 6'3" guard who played for the team from 2004 to 2008 and was named the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year in 2007.
- Liki Turner, a 6'6" forward who played for the team from 2002 to 2006 and was named the Peach Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2005.
- Dusty Smith, a 6'2" guard who played for the team from 1999 to 2003 and was named the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year in 2002.
Achievements
The Francis Marion University men's basketball team has achieved several notable milestones over the years. Some of the most notable include:
- 10 conference championships
- 5 NCAA tournament appearances
- 2 Peach Belt Conference Tournament championships
- 1 NCAA Division II Elite Eight appearance
Gallery of Francis Marion University Men's Basketball
FAQs
What is the name of the Francis Marion University men's basketball team's head coach?
+The current head coach of the Francis Marion University men's basketball team is Gary Edwards.
How many conference championships has the Francis Marion University men's basketball team won?
+The Francis Marion University men's basketball team has won 10 conference championships.
What is the name of the conference that the Francis Marion University men's basketball team competes in?
+The Francis Marion University men's basketball team competes in the Peach Belt Conference.
In conclusion, the Francis Marion University men's basketball team has a rich history of producing talented players and competing at a high level. With a strong coaching staff, notable players, and several achievements, the team is a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Division II.