DAYTON – University of Dayton head men's basketball coach Anthony Grant announced the addition of veteran strength and conditioning coach Lou DeNeen, as well as the promotion of former Flyer student-athlete and graduate assistant CJ Napier to video coordinator, on Friday.
 
DeNeen comes to Dayton with over 30 years of experience at the highest levels of college basketball, as well as training numerous All-American and All-Conference student-athletes. DeNeen coached and developed over 30 players who went on to play in the NBA, including 2018 No. 8 pick Collin Sexton.
 
"I couldn't be more excited to join the men's basketball staff at the University of Dayton," said DeNeen. "I am thrilled for the opportunity to work at such a successful program and under the leadership of head coach Anthony Grant. I'd like to thank Coach Grant for hiring and believing in me. His commitment to excellence and the development of young men is second to none. I'm committed to building a standard that pushes our student-athletes so that they can reach their highest potential. I can not wait to get started!"
 
DeNeen has spent time on staff at Florida International (head strength and conditioning coach, 1991-94, 1997-2007), Cal (head basketball strength and conditioning coach, 1994-97), UAB (head strength and conditioning coach, 2007-13), Alabama (head basketball strength and conditioning coach, 2013-2019), as well as the personal strength and conditioning coach for Collin Sexton and NCAA Division I scoring champion Antoine Davis (Detroit-Mercy).
 
Napier is a familiar face for Flyer fans, as the nearby Miamisburg native played his final year of college hoops with the Flyers in the 2023-24 season. After finishing his eligibility, Napier moved behind the bench and served the Flyers as a graduate assistant.
 
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue with this program and community as a full-time staff member after starting as a walk-on and graduate assistant," said Napier. "I'm thankful to continue to learn under Coach Grant and our great staff, and it means even more to do it 15 minutes from where I grew up. I'm excited for what's ahead this season!"