Former First Round Pick, Two Others Join Musselman's Staff

Musselman now has five assistant coaches, the most allowed by new NCAA rules

Author:
Daniel Shi
Publish date:
Sep 25, 2023 5:13 PM EDT

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Razorback basketball coaching staff officially grew Monday morning.

NCAA rules passed in January by the NCAA DI Council that took effect July 1 has allowed for two additional assistant coaches, bringing the total to five. Arkansas basketball coach Eric Musselman made use of the extra personnel by dipping into the Razorback family tree in more ways than one.

Arkansas only had Keith Smart and Anthony Ruta designated as assistant coaches prior to the new legislation. The new legislation opened the door for three assistants to be added. Ruta and Smart will be joined by former Razorback star Ronnie Brewer along with Musselman's son, Michael, the university said in a press release Monday. Former South Dakota coach Todd Lee also joins the staff.

Brewer, a four-year starter under Stan Heath and former No. 14 NBA draft pick, enters his third season on Eric Musselman's staff. When he began as a recruiting coordinator, the Hogs brought in their best class in program history which featured three 5-star recruits, all three of whom were drafted in this year's NBA Draft (Anthony Black, Nick Smith Jr. and Jordan Walsh).

"Ronnie has played a key role in our recruiting success," Coach Musselman said. "(He's) done an excellent job getting our players involved in the community and has been a mentor to our players by sharing his extensive NBA knowledge."

Fresh off serving on the 2023 NBA Summer League-winning Cleveland Cavaliers staff, Michael Musselman returns for his fifth season. Michael will continue to serve as director of recruiting after securing an incoming freshman class that includes McDonald's All-American Baye Fall.

"Michael has successfully led our recruiting efforts for the past four years," Coach Musselman said.

Lee brings nearly four decades of coaching experience to the Razorback staff, including two stints as head coach at Kentucky Wesleyan (2005-2013) and South Dakota (2018-2022).

"Todd’s contributions this past year were invaluable to me and our program in terms of breaking down our own program and our opponents," Coach Musselman said.

Under the new rules, two of the five coaches may participate in coaching activities, but may not recruit off-campus. Arkansas will host its annual Red-White intrasquad scrimmage Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. inside Barnhill Arena.
The season begins Monday, Nov. 6 against Alcorn State.