Alexander named Stetson head coach

After 16 years on the Belmont basketball bench, associate head coach Casey Alexander will be moving on. Alexander texted players on April 19 and told them he would be taking the head coach job at Stetson.

“Stetson is gaining a person who has a great work ethic, a keen understanding of the game, and a caring attitude about his players,” Belmont head coach Rick Byrd said via press release.

“All of us will miss his passion, competitiveness and daily friendship.”

Belmont point guard Drew Hanlen echoed those sentiments.

“He was a big reason I came to Belmont and has helped Coach Byrd make the program where it is today,” Hanlen said. “I sent him a text and told him I appreciated all the support him and his family have shown for the past three years and wished him the best at Stetson.”

Alexander was officially introduced at a press conference in DeLand, Fl. on April 20.

““We are very pleased that Casey has accepted the position here at Stetson. His character and integrity are outstanding”, Stetson athletic director Jeff Altier said.

“He was a critical part of Belmont’s development from NAIA into one of the most successful mid-major Division I programs in the nation.”

Alexander was also a candidate for head coach openings at Kennesaw State and Florida Gulf Coast. Former Stetson head coach Derek Waugh resigned on Feb. 20 to take another job within the athletics department.

““I’m honored and humbled to be given this opportunity at Stetson. We have a program here with a rich history and we’ll work hard to bring success back to DeLand,” Alexander said at his introductory press conference.

“Expectation to win will not be delayed. Our immediate task is to establish relationships with the returning players. This program is about them and our number one priority is to see to it that they have a great experience at Stetson.”

The Hatters finished this year with a 8-23 record and went 6-14 in Atlantic Sun play.

Alexander played for Belmont head coach Rick Byrd from 1992-1995 and he amassed a 119-25 record during his playing career. After earning a master’s degree from Austin Peay State, Alexander returned to Belmont as an assistant coach. In 2002, he was promoted to associate head coach.

Alexander’s move breaks up  the longest tenured coaching staff in the country. Byrd, Alexander, Brian Ayers and Roger Idstrom coached together for 11 years.

Belmont Vision reporter Chris LePore contributed to this report.

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