McKay Named Director of Men’s Basketball Operations

CLEMSON, S.C. — Lucas McKay has been named director of men’s basketball operations for the Tigers. He replaces Dick Bender, who has moved into an assistant coaching position with the College of Charleston.

“Lucas is a hard-working, loyal young man I have had the privilege of working with since he was a manager at UNC Wilmington,” said head coach Brad Brownell. “At one time or another, he has performed a majority of these duties at Clemson and Wright State. He is well-liked by the players and provides a smooth transition from the loss of someone as valuable as Coach Bender.”

McKay has been Brownell’s video coordinator since 2010, helping the Tigers to a pair of postseason appearances in four seasons. Clemson won 22 games and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2011, his first season with the program. Last season, McKay was an integral part of the staff that led the Tigers to a 10-win improvement over 2012-13 and a berth in the NIT semifinals.

“I’m very appreciative of the opportunity to work for a great friend and great coach in Brad Brownell,” McKay said. “He’s helped me climb the ladder in this profession and let me wear as many hats as possible. I’m really proud of how he’s built this program and look forward to continuing to help Clemson basketball take the next step.”

Prior to his time at Clemson, McKay was an administrative assistant at Wright State under Brownell from 2007-10. In three seasons on staff, the Raiders were 61-35. His duties included the day-to-day organization of the men’s basketball office.

McKay first worked under Brownell as a student manager at UNC Wilmington from 2003-06. He was a manager on Brownell’s final Seahawks team that went 25-8 overall and won the Colonial Athletic Association championship en route to an NCAA Tournament appearance.

McKay earned his undergraduate degree from UNC Wilmington in 2006 and a master’s degree from Wright State in 2009. He and his wife Lindsay have a son, Ethan.