men's basketball coaching staff
2009-10

 

Head Coach

Varsity Head Coach R. Desmond Rowley 2nd Year Varsity Head Coach Overall Record: 23-8 Conference Record: 16-4

In 2009-10, Rowley enters his second season as Durham Lords men’s basketball head coach. After winning Durham’s lone CCAA National Championship in 1997, the Lords have struggled to find the winning formula to get them back into the national spotlight. After one season with the team, Rowley’s coaching style brought an entire new attitude to the team, which will unquestionably generate positive results on the court, as DC went 16-4 during the regular season, their best record since 1997-98 season. Rowley was no stranger to the Lords program as he has served four seasons as the men’s basketball assistant coach with Durham. Assisting with the Lords, the Ajax native has proven to be a great teacher of fundamentals of the game, incorporating individual skill along with team concepts to generate success out of the team. Prior to joining Durham, Rowley coached at the high school level for Eastern Commerce in Toronto, Ontario. In eight seasons with Eastern Commerce, Rowley was instrumental in developing the program into a nationally recognized basketball powerhouse. He led the Saints to five TSSAA League Championships and two OFSAA Championships (1993 and 1994). Eastern Commerce also made it to the championship finals in 1998. His ability to recruit, energize and teach the game is also going to bring success to the program; “I believe that if you give young people a voice in decisions pertaining to the team, it will result in hard work, responsibility and accountability.” Having worked in the community for the past number of years, Rowley has also developed plenty of positive relationships that will help him attract top talent to Durham College. He also knows the strengths and weaknesses of the current team, having been the assistant coach for the past four seasons. Building a strong relationship with the local high schools is also one of Rowley’s priorities. Rowley believes that with his ability to recruit, familiarity with the team and his basketball knowledge that winning is right around the corner; “I believe with the nucleus of returning players and the potential for incoming athletes, we should be competing for a solid position in the Elite Eight and Championship aspirations within the next two years.” Coaching Experience: Durham College Men’s Basketball Head Coach (2008-Present) Durham College Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach (2004-2008 & 1998-1999) Eastern Commerce Men’s Basketball Head Coach (1996-2000) -OFSAA Finalists (1999) -TSSAA Champions (1998, 1999) Eastern Commerce Men’s Basketball Associate Coach (1992-1996) -OFSAA Champions (1994, 1995) -TSSAA Champions (1994, 1995, 1996)

Assistant Coaches
Curtis Celestine – Assistant Coach (2nd Year)	Matt Markovic Associate Coach (4th Year) Markovic joined the Durham College men's basketball coaching staff following a stellar three year playing career with the Lords. The Dunsfield native finished his collegiate career with 599 points, putting him ninth all-time on the DC scoring charts upon graduation. As a part of the coaching staff, Markovic is hoping his experience as a Durham Lords player will help him as a coach and will lead to success on the court.	Vasco Yarde Associate Coach (2nd Year)

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