Michael Russell has been appointed as the new assistant basketball coach for UW-Stevens Point by head coach Kent Dernbach. Russell expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Pointers community and for the opportunity to work alongside talented athletes and coaches. Previously, he served as an assistant coach at the University of South Dakota, where he contributed to a successful season, including a 19-14 record and a semifinal finish in the Summit League Tournament. Russell also has experience at Black Hills State University, where he helped the team reach the NCAA Division II Final Four.

By the Numbers
  • Guided the University of South Dakota to a 19-14 record in the 2024-25 season.
  • Helped Black Hills State University achieve a 29-6 record and a Final Four appearance in 2022-23.
State of Play
  • Russell joins a program with a strong tradition and committed coaching staff.
  • He has a proven track record of mentoring players who have received multiple accolades in competitive leagues.
What's Next

As Russell settles into his role, he is expected to leverage his coaching experience to enhance team performance in upcoming seasons. His focus on player development could also lead to future individual honors and team success.

Bottom Line

Russell's arrival at UW-Stevens Point marks a significant step for the program to build on its competitive foundation, with his prior successes indicating a promising future for both players and the coaching staff.