USC Upstate announced this week that Riley McGillan will join the program as an assistant coach for the 2026‑27 season, bringing a résumé that includes recent stints that reshaped three different programs.
A Builder With a Record
At Belmont Abbey College, McGillan’s second year saw the team’s win total quadruple, a turnaround that caught the attention of national observers.
A year later, while at Lenoir‑Rhyne, he helped the Bears set a school record for three‑point defense and guided the squad to a steady climb in victories each season.
Before arriving in Spartanburg, he spent a season as the director of operations at Longwood, where the Lancers posted their highest conference finish and most Big South wins in Division I history.
His six‑year tenure at Clemson, where he contributed to a 25‑win campaign and an NCAA Sweet 16 run in 2017‑18, further cemented his reputation as a rising star in college basketball.
Coach’s Praise
Head coach Marty Richter, who is in his third year leading the Spartans, said McGillan’s energy and strategic mind fit perfectly with the program’s ambitions.
Richter highlighted the coach’s ability to develop defensive schemes and his knack for maximizing player potential, noting that the new staff member will be instrumental as the team looks to build on recent progress.
Future Outlook
The addition of McGillan is expected to deepen the Spartans’ tactical options and add a fresh recruiting perspective as the program prepares for its next chapter.
Fans can anticipate a more dynamic approach on both ends of the floor, with the coaching staff aiming to translate the momentum from previous seasons into a competitive push in the conference.