Men’s basketball assistant coach Kwanza Johnson left for the University of Nevada, and former University of Southern Illinois Edwardsville coach Marcus Belcher will be taking his place this season.

“They both played for outstanding coaches, both relate real well to people,” Eastern assistant coach Michael Lewis said when comparing Johnson and Belcher. “Marcus is a younger guy, but Kwanza did a remarkable job while he was here.”

For the past two years, Belcher worked aside head coach Marty Simmons in Edwardsville, where he helped coach the team to a 48-17 record and two straight NCAA Division II Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight appearance last year for the Cougars.

He was a starting point guard for the Southern Illinois Salukis at Carbondale and played under current University of Illinois head coach Bruce Weber.

“Those guys are a special bunch,” Belcher said referring to Weber and the coaching staff he played under at Carbondale. “Being a part of all that, they not only tell you what to do, but they’re dedicated. They have one thing on their mind, and that’s winning the championship.”

In his time there, his 118 assists led the team in 2002, helping push the Salukis to a Sweet 16 appearance and a 23rd national ranking. Although Southern lost out that year to the University of Connecticut in the Sweet 16, they did secure earlier impressive wins over Texas Tech University and the University of Georgia.

After graduating from Southern in 2002 and working for the private sector for the next two years, he suited up as a coach at SIU Edwardsville in 2004. In addition, he played two years at Moberly Area CC in Missouri and became a second-team All-State selection at Mexico (MO) High.

“I think when you look at a quality individual, he’s going to bring a lot of things,” Eastern head coach Mike Miller said. “He’s a young guy that has a great experience a great background.”

This season, Belcher has said he looks to be a part of the rebuilding process, and not only lead the team to a championship, but to also give the players a chance for success when they leave Eastern.

“Hopefully I can bring some enthusiasm, some winning ways,” Belcher said. “I look forward to coaching these guys.”