BILLINGS, Mont. – Montana State University Billings head men's basketball coach Jamie Stevens and Director of Athletics Dr. Gary Gray announced Thursday that Justin Wetzel has been promoted in title to associate head men's basketball coach after dedicating the past four years to the program.
 
“I am very honored and appreciative for the support and faith the administration, Dr. Gray and Coach Stevens have shown and given in my promotion to Associate Head Coach,” said Wetzel. “I'm excited for this opportunity and looking forward in continuing the growth and success of the men's basketball program.”
 
A native of Cut Bank, Mont., Wetzel is entering his fifth season at MSUB in a career that has seen him coach at the high school, college and professional levels. This past season, he helped the 'Jackets transition under a new head coach while winning their first conference championship since 2006 and making their first appearance in the NCAA Division II tournament for the first time in 10 years.
 
“This promotion for Justin is well-earned,” stated Stevens. “He has done a fantastic job for the program here during his tenure. He has truly made my job a lot easier over the last year. His passion and excitement for coaching and being a part of a college basketball program are what makes Justin a great coach.”
 
During his tenure with MSUB, the Yellowjackets have gone 51-57.
 
“We are very happy to see Coach Wetzel take the next step in his college basketball professional development by moving from assistant coach to associate head coach,” said Dr. Gray. “It's a logical and well-earned step for him at this time. It shows how much Coach Stevens relies upon Coach Wetzel to keep our MSUB men's basketball program advancing.”
 
Prior to coming to MSUB, Wetzel coached in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) where he was the Butte Daredevils head coach after serving as the assistant coach for the Great Falls Explorers for two years. When he was hired by the Daredevils in early 2008, he was the youngest head coach in professional basketball in the United States but despite being half the age of most of the opposing CBA coaches, Wetzel quickly gained respect around the league for his team's hardnosed, competitive play and effort. The Daredevils showed immediate benefits as they improved their offense by six points a game while allowing eight fewer points per game.
 
In 2007, Wetzel was named Director of Player Personnel for the Explorers. That same season as an assistant coach, Wetzel worked under former NBA sharp shooter and two-time world champion (Boston Celtics) Scott Wedman.
 
During his time in professional basketball Wetzel coached over 30 Division I athletes from numerous conferences including the ACC, Pac 10, SEC, Big East and Big 12. He also has had the privilege of using some of his contacts at the professional level to closely observe and be involved with the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nev.

Like most college coaches, Wetzel got his start in the high school ranks with his first gig coming at Joliet High School after playing two seasons at Dawson Community College. He then moved on to become the head high school coach at Broadview/Lavina from 2004-06.