Billy Lange hired as head coach at Saint Joseph’s

Philadelphia 76ers assistant Billy Lange has been named the new head basketball coach at Saint Joseph’s, the school announced on Thursday. Lange was previously the head coach at Navy and the US Merchant Marine Academy, but has been with the Sixers since 2013.

Lange last collegiate gig was as associate head coach under Jay Wright at Villanova (2011-13), his second stint with the program totaling five seasons.

“With the support of University President Mark Reed, we undertook a thorough and expedient search for a head coach to lead our men’s basketball program,” AD Jill Bodensteiner said Thursday. “[Lange] has learned from the best, is deeply rooted in the spirit of Philadelphia basketball, shares family connections on Hawk Hill, and has a proven track record of developing young men on and off the court.”

The SJU program missed the last three NCAA Tournaments and earlier this month parted ways with longtime head coach Phil Martelli.

h/t to the Associated Press for the photo