A Familiar Face Returns to Scranton
Lackawanna College announced this week that Raru Archer has been appointed head coach of the Falcons men’s basketball program, bringing back a familiar figure who once guided the team to a NJCAA Region 19 championship.
Archer’s earlier tenure from 2008 to 2012 saw the Falcons capture the regional title and earn Coach of the Year honors, a period that laid the foundation for his reputation as a developer of talent and culture.
Since then, Archer has honed his craft at the highest levels of collegiate basketball, serving as an assistant at Norfolk State, Ranger College, Sam Houston State and Long Beach State, programs that compete in NCAA Division I.
Now, Archer is eager to steer Lackawanna through its transition to NCAA Division II and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, a move he believes will test the program against stronger competition while allowing it to flourish.
His philosophy centers on character, work ethic and community, values he hopes will translate into on‑court success and academic achievement.
Archer points to his track record of player development, citing the 2019‑20 season at Sam Houston State when the Bearkats posted a school‑record 14 wins, as evidence that the Falcons can exceed expectations.
Local observers, including analyst Erik Larson, have noted the excitement surrounding the hire and the potential impact on the Scranton community.