Thomas Mandell Joins USC Upstate Staff as Operations Assistant Coach
Thomas Mandell has been appointed to the USC Upstate men's basketball staff as an assistant coach with a focus on operations for the upcoming 2026‑27 season. Head coach Marty Richter announced the hire, highlighting Mandell's blend of playing experience and administrative acumen.
Richter emphasized that Mandell's background in player development and program logistics will help streamline day‑to‑day activities while supporting the team's competitive goals.
A Playing and Coaching Journey
Mandell played collegiately at Mercy University and later at Penn State Berks, appearing in 12 games and recording a season‑high six points against Daemen on February 9, 2025. He made five of eight three‑point attempts during the 2025‑26 season.
His coaching career began with a stint as an assistant at Mercy, where he managed player development, scouting, recruiting and overall team operations.
Mandell also contributed to youth basketball programs, including Sandhills Machine Youth Basketball, where he organized practices and assisted with game planning.
Academic Credentials and Leadership
A native of Southern Pines, North Carolina, Mandell served as a two‑time team captain at Mercy and represented the program on the Student‑Athlete Advisory Council.
He earned a bachelor's degree in history education from Mercy in 2025 and a master's degree in organizational leadership in 2026, experiences that inform his approach to program building.
During his coaching tenure, he directed summer basketball camps at institutions such as Alabama, Southern Miss, Shaw and Emory, further honing his ability to teach fundamentals and manage large groups.
At USC Upstate, Mandell will assist with day‑to‑day operations, player development and scouting for the men's basketball program, aiming to strengthen the Spartans' overall competitiveness.