VESTAL, N.Y. - Binghamton University athletics formally introduced
Levell Sanders as its new men's basketball coach Monday afternoon. Sanders, an assistant coach for the last two seasons, was promoted to succeed
Tommy Dempsey, whose contract wasn't renewed.
A former Seton Hall standout and All-BIG EAST selection, Sanders has been with the Bearcats since 2019. A Brooklyn native with a noteworthy basketball pedigree, he steps into a familiar leadership role, having served as head coach for five years in the Czech Republic before coming to Binghamton in June 2019.
"Levell possesses wide-ranging and successful experience as a player and coach, on both the intercollegiate and professional levels," Director of Athletics Patrick Elliott, PhD said. "We are appreciative of Levell's willingness to lead the program at this time, and are confident he will continue to develop BU basketball and our student-athletes to on-court success."
From 2014-19, Sanders coached BK JIP Pardubice, leading the team to the elimination rounds of the 2017 FIBA Europe Cup and being named All-Czech Republic League Coach of the Year. His teams won at an 84 percent clip and captured bronze medals in the KNBL Czech League three straight years between 2015-18. Sanders was selected to be a member of the coaching staff of the Czech Republic U18 National Team that competed at the 2017 European Championships.
As a player, Sanders scored 1,399 career points at Seton Hall before embarking on a successful 17-year professional career overseas. With the Pirates, Sanders averaged 12.4 points in 113 games and was named second team All-BIG EAST in 1998. A BIG EAST academic all-star, he graduated in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
His pro basketball accolades include being named the All-Czech Republic League Guard of the Year in 2007 as well as being a two-time first team all-star. He ranks 11th on the all-time leading scorer list in the Czech Republic.
Sanders holds a strong reputation for player development and is the author of a book, "A Guide to Playing Professional Basketball Overseas."
He and his wife Pamela and their daughter Olivia (6) reside in Binghamton.
