Kelsey Adds Two to CofC Coaching Staff

By: CofC Media

College of Charleston head coach Pat Kelsey has made two additional hires to supplement his coaching staff ahead of the 2021-22 season.

Coach Kelsey has added Director of Basketball Operations Brad Cupito and Director of Player Development Jermaine Ukaegbu to an already talented and experienced staff that includes Associate Head Coach Dave Davis, Assistant Coach Brian Kloman and Director of Sports Performance Eli Foy. An additional assistant coach will be announced in the coming days.

Cupito brings a diverse portfolio of experience as a former high school coach and collegiate student-athlete in addition to nearly a decade as a successful corporate executive in the healthcare field. He spent the three years as the Director of Basketball at AboutU NYC, a non-profit organization in New York City that serves the academic and athletic development of New York City high school athletes, while also working as a healthcare executive. Prior to his career in the healthcare field, Cupito served as the varsity head coach at Turpin High School in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio compiling a 33-11 record in two seasons. Cupito played one season at NCAA Division II Ohio Dominican where he earned all-conference honors in 2002 after playing two seasons on the Indiana University football team.

“We strive to hire only the best of the best, and I believe Brad will be the best Director of Basketball Operations in the country,” Kelsey said. “His experience as a former college athlete, successful high school coach and successful corporate executive make him a perfect person in this role. He is a unique hire that is essential in this changing era of collegiate athletics in areas such as Name Image and Likeness. I have known Brad a long time. I love his passion and work ethic and his character is impeccable.”

Ukaegbu previously served as a graduate assistant on Coach Kelsey’s staff at Winthrop after playing his final two collegiate seasons at the Rock Hill, S.C. school. He appeared in 59 games with 10 starts during his Winthrop career while serving as a team captain each season. Ukaegbu joined the Eagles from Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa where he averaged 3.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 62 percent from the floor and helped the Warriors to a berth in the NJCAA National Championships.

“In today’s age of the transfer portal, player relationships, mentorship and development are essential,” Kelsey said. “Jermaine is special in these areas. His ability to connect and build trust with student athletes is off the charts. Players trust him implicitly. The way he lives his life centered on faith, integrity and love is special. We are so fortunate to have Jermaine here with us. He was one of the core pieces of the culture we built at Winthrop.”

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