A New Chapter for Furman Basketball
Jordan Lyons, a former Furman standout, is back on the Paladins' bench as an assistant coach, bringing a blend of experience and energy that head coach Bob Richey believes will elevate the program.
Richey highlighted Lyons' toughness, competitiveness, leadership and work ethic, saying the veteran’s presence will reinforce the team’s culture as it aims for another leap forward.
Lyons’ journey to this role began on the court, where he amassed 1,529 points at Furman, ranking sixteenth in school history, and earned all‑conference honors in 2019 and 2020 while being named to the Lou Henson Mid‑Major All‑America Team in 2020. He famously tied the NCAA record with fifteen three‑pointers in a single game against North Greenville, a feat that cemented his reputation as a sharpshooter.
After his playing days, Lyons transitioned into coaching, first as a video and analytics coordinator at his alma mater before moving to the United States Naval Academy, where he helped the Midshipmen post a 26‑8 record and secure an NIT berth. At Navy, his guidance was instrumental in developing Austin Benigni, who captured Patriot League Player of the Year honors under Lyons’ tutelage.
Beyond the numbers, Lyons’ professional stints spanned leagues in the Latvian‑Estonian Basketball League, The Basketball League, Kosovo’s Superliga and Liga Unike, giving him a global perspective that he now brings to Greenville.
His impact at Furman extends beyond the court; under his influence the program captured its first NCAA Tournament appearance in over four decades, a milestone that underscores the significance of his return.
Joining Lyons on the staff are longtime colleagues such as Aidan Kehoe, Mike Bothwell and Jalen Slawson, forming a cohesive unit that Richey believes will keep Furman competitive in the Southern Conference and beyond.
The move also aligns with the university’s broader athletic strategy, which includes partnerships with institutions like the Southern Conference and the NCAA, as well as engagement with the wider basketball community across the United States.