COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Lester Harbin added to Oakland women’s basketball coaching staff

ROCHESTER HILLS — Lester Harbin, Jr. has been hired as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Oakland, head coach Beckie Francis announced on Monday. Harbin brings experience as both an assistant and head coach, which will help him in his new role with the Golden Grizzlies.

“I’m very excited about hiring Les,” said Francis. “He is an experienced coach, who has over six years of experience as both an assistant coach and a head coach. He has a lot of experience recruiting and being from Southfield he is very familiar with the local talent pool. We’re excited to have him as a member of our staff.”

Harbin will play an integral role in Oakland’s recruiting efforts. He will also have responsibilities with scouting and individual player development.

“I’m very excited for this opportunity,” said Harbin. “I am eager to become a part of the Oakland women’s basketball family.”

Harbin joins OU after heading the women’s basketball program at Salem International University in Salem, W.Va. He also has prior coaching experience at the State University of New York at Fredonia, where he was an assistant with the men’s basketball team from 2007-11. At SUNY-Fredonia, Harbin also worked as an admissions counselor.

A native of Southfield, Mich., Harbin played collegiate basketball at Lees-McRae, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He later earned his master’s degree at SUNY-Fredonia.

Harbin will be filling the position previously held by Katie Trolla. He is joining an Oakland team that is loaded with talent for the upcoming season. That includes three-time All-Summit League selection Bethany Watterworth.

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