Oregon State welcomed a new men’s basketball head coach Wednesday, as Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Barnes hired Justin Joyner, former assistant coach at the University of Michigan.
“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to coach Oregon State Men’s Basketball,” Joyner said in an email sent out to all of OSU via the OSU Athletics Communication Office. “Joining an athletic department that aligns with my beliefs and values is a dream come true.”
Joyner fills the position previously held by Wayne Tinkle, OSU’s head coach since 2014.
Joyner, alongside newly hired football Head Coach JaMarcus Shephard, are the two newest head coaching hires by Barnes in the past few months.
“It is vitally important that we create momentum and an upward trajectory for this program,” Barnes said in the same email. “Our move to the new Pac-12 demands a leader like Justin who has an unmatched commitment, passion and energy.”
Joyner leaves a Wolverine team that is positioned for greatness this March. They currently sit at 29-2, tied for the best record among Power Four teams.
“Justin will build a men’s basketball program all of Beaver Nation will be proud of,” Barnes continued. “He is a relentless competitor and has a great pedigree, having coached under some of (the) nation’s best coaches.”
Joyner was a part of Dusty May’s coaching staff at Michigan. He has never been a head coach prior to being hired, but has been a part of a winning environment since his coaching career began.
“Justin has one of the best young minds in coaching,” May said in the same email. “His ability to teach the game, connect with players and build a program the right way makes him a tremendous fit at Oregon State. He sacrificed a lot over the last two years to help build what we have at Michigan, and we are incredibly grateful.”
Prior to joining the Michigan staff, he was an assistant coach for four years at Saint Mary’s in California before being promoted to associate head coach before the 2022 season. His overall record with the Gaels was an astounding 171-60 in the seven years he was with the team.
“Coach Joyner’s record of achievement and his extensive experience in winning programs position Oregon State’s men’s basketball program to excel as we launch the new Pac-12 Conference,” OSU President Jayathi Murthy said in the same email. “I am delighted to welcome him to OSU and to support the program’s future success.”
Joyner will be officially appointed after the completion of all university hiring processes.
“I come to Oregon State ready to empower our student athletes to chase greatness both on and off the court,” Joyner said. “Go Beavs!”
