Billy Lange, former Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach, was named head coach for the St. Joe’s men’s basketball team on March 28.
Jill Bodensteiner, J.D., director of athletics, told The Hawk that she made her final decision early that morning on March 28. A University Announcement officially went out at 1 p.m. notifying the St. Joe’s community of the new hire.
Prior to coaching the 76ers, Lange, a graduate of Rowan University, was the assistant coach at La Salle University (1998-99), and Villanova University (2001-04). He was also the head coach for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (1999-2001) and the United States Naval Academy (2004-11).
While the role of St. Joe’s men’s basketball head coach is a new one for Lange, it isn’t the first time a member of his family stepped foot on Hawk Hill. Both of Lange’s parents and brother attended St. Joe’s.
In a statement through the St. Joe’s twitter account on March 28, Lange wrote about his new opportunity.
“St. Joe’s is legendary in collegiate and Philadelphia basketball,” Lange said via the Saint Joseph’s University Twitter. “This is an epic opportunity for me. I am honored and humbled to stand among the greats who are associated with Hawk basketball, and I’m ready and eager to lead this storied program into its next era.”
Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach Brett Brown also issued a statement on March 28.
“As a Philly native, Billy’s basketball experience as head coach at Navy, an assistant at Villanova and six NBA seasons on our bench, provides a great base to develop, recruit and stamp his vision on a storied basketball program,” Brown said in a statement.
Bodensteiner said she wants Lange to develop the Hawk players’ young NBA talent, an area Lange has experience in. His initial title with the 76ers was director of player development.
“These young men, who are our student athletes, are maximizing and reaching their potential on and off the court,” Bodensteiner told The Hawk in a March 28 interview. “With a person who at his core is a player development coach, it is really exciting to me.”
Star forward Joel Embiid was at the forefront of Lange’s player development with the 76ers. During a press conference after the 76ers’ 123-110 win over the Brooklyn Nets on March 28, Lange’s final game with the team, Embiid said Lange is like family to him.
“He’s been here since I got here and we’ve built a special relationship,” Embiid said. “I’m so happy for him.”
Embiid also said he will visit Lange in Michael J. Hagan ’85 Arena whenever he can.
Lange expressed his gratitude for the 76ers organization in the locker room after that same game. While players celebrated and poured water on him, Lange rang the 76ers bell one last time, calling his experience on the team a “true blessing.”
“I grew up in the city and to be here and be any sort of part, whether it was the process, or this championship run, you guys are capable of doing anything,” Lange said. “Take advantage of what you got. It won’t always be here. Thank you Philadelphia 76ers.”
