By Kyle LoJacono
Newly named Saint Leo University men’s basketball coach Lance Randall has made his first coaching hire, naming J.R. Blount as his second-in-command.
Blount played NCAA Division I basketball as a four-year starter while at Loyola University in Chicago, where he was coached by Randall.
“J.R. is an extremely bright young coach,” Randall said. “His mental toughness and determination as a player were unmatched. He has a keen understanding of the game of basketball and a great attention to detail.”
It is the second time Blount and Randall have coached together, following a stint at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point when both were assistants. Together, the tandem helped the Pointers win the Division II national championship.
“I couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity,” Blount said. “I’ve loved working with coach Randall and we’re ready to make Saint Leo into a winner.”
Blount earned two team MVP awards while in college, was named to the Preseason Horizon League second team twice and was picked as the league’s Player of the Week twice. He set the Ramblers program record for most points in a single game with 42.
He was also named the Loyola Male Athlete of the Year twice and is the programs all-time leading score and is 10th all time in assists.
The Milwaukee native also played professionally in Europe, earning British Basketball League all star status and was named to the all-league third team in 2010-11. He finished fourth in the league in scoring and second in assists that same year.
Blount graduated with a double major in psychology and sociology from Loyola. He is now attending UW-Stevens Point’s graduate school of education and will join the Lions after he completes his degree.
