September 19, 2007

Mike McShane Named MSUB Assistant Basketball Coach

BILLINGS, Mont. – Dr. Gary Gray, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, announced Wednesday that Mike McShane has been hired as Montana State Billings’ new assistant men’s basketball coach. McShane, a former player for the Yellowjackets during the 1999-2000 season, replaces Dave Carse.

“Mike is a former MSUB player that understands the expectations and philosophy of the program and this university,” said Yellowjacket head coach Craig Carse. “He has the potential to be a wonderful addition.”

McShane, a native of Oregon, played three years at University of Oregon before transferring to the Yellowjacket program as a senior point guard. During McShane’s one season at MSUB he averaged 13.7 points, 8.2 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game.

McShane made an impact in the Yellowjacket record books during the 1999-2000 season.  He is still ranked 11th for single season field goal percentage (59.10), fourth for assists (214) and assists per game (8.2), and is fourth for steals (63). McShane is also ranked second in school history for steals in a single game (7).

“Coach Carse has brought in a young group with a lot of potential,” said McShane. “I am looking forward to sharing both my basketball and life experiences with the team so they may continue to develop both on and off the court.”

McShane’s experiences go beyond the collegiate court. He played one year in China following his tenure at MSU Billings before returning to finish his degree in Health and Human Performance in 2001. McShane also played as a point guard for the Rockhampton Rockets, Australia’s professional men’s team, for three years. In addition to playing, McShane was also the head coach of the Australian women’s professional team for one season.

“I am very excited to be working with the Yellowjacket basketball program,” added McShane. “This is a talented group of players, and I know we have a bright future ahead of us.”