Custom Search Donald Hunt
The Philadelphia Tribune
Former NBA standout Doug Overton has been named head men's basketball coach at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania.
Overton, a Big 5 Hall of Famer, who spent the last two seasons as a Philadelphia 76ers analyst on Comcast Sportsnet, will take over the basketball program of one of the most prestigious and oldest Black universities in the country. Overton is well aware of the school's profile among HBCUs.
Doug & Chanel Overton
"The rich tradition of the school, the history, I'm honored," Overton said. "I'm honored when I really think about it. The opportunity to have a lot of roots in this area and a lot of relatives. My uncle graduated from Lincoln. My cousins went to Lincoln. I just got excited and intrigued by the opportunity.
"I always wanted to be a head coach in college and for this to be my first opportunity is like wow — right in my backyard and for a school with such rich history. Hopefully, I can make a lasting impact like some of the other greats that went to Lincoln." Overton has a solid background in player development and coaching. He has worked as an NBA assistant as well as an assistant at Saint Joseph's University under head coach Phil Martelli.
Overton's knowledge, talent and experience is well known in the Philadelphia area. He grew up playing basketball in the Sonny Hill League.
In 1991, he was a second-round pick of the Detroit Pistons. He played 12 NBA seasons for a number of teams including the Sixers. Overton should bring plenty of visibility to Lincoln, which should help on the recruiting trail particularly in Philadelphia.
"I'm excited," Overton said. "Lincoln has a beautiful campus. Hopefully, we can get more exposure for the school with the basketball program. That would be a great avenue." Lincoln, a Division II program, finished with an overall 9-20 record last season. The Lions play in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The CIAA is the oldest Black college sports conference in the country.
"It's a tough league," Overton said. "I remember a lot of guys that went to Shaw, Virginia Union and Virginia State. I talked to A.J. English yesterday who played at Virginia Union and then played in the NBA and overseas. The CIAA [has] one of the biggest tournaments around." The CIAA competition is huge for the school along with the annual rivalry between Lincoln and Cheyney University two of the oldest HBCUs in the country.