In 36 years as Grace College’s men’s basketball coach, Jim Kessler has authored quite a resumé. This week he added to it, as he spent three days in Colorado Springs, Colo., as a court coach, working with players hoping to represent Team USA at the Men’s World University Games. The World University Games are scheduled for July 6-17 in Russia. The players range in age from 17-24. “It’s quite an honor,” Kessler, sitting at a table at Gordon Recreation Center Thursday afternoon, said of his three days working with some of the best coaches and players in the country. “To be recognized on a national level, to represent your country, the NAIA, and Grace College, it’s something I took a lot of pride in.” Bob McKillop of Davidson College will serve as the team’s head coach. He will be assisted by John Beilein (Michigan) and Frank Martin (South Carolina). Serving as court coaches and helping evaluate players this week at Team USA’s training facility were Kessler, Tad Boyle (Colorado) and Matt Matheny (Elon). “This wasn’t a goal, but it’s quite an honor,” said Kessler. “To be there and work with such a great collection of coaches and players was humbling. I’m thankful USA Basketball had a seat at the table for the NAIA.” The original roster of 26 players, which included Eric Atkins and Jerian Grant from Notre Dame, Yogi Ferrel and Will Sheehey from Indiana, A.J. Hammons from Purdue, Doug McDermott from Creighton and Adreian Payne from Michigan State, was cut to 16 Wednesday. “When you put that jersey on, and it says USA on the front, everyone wants to beat you,” said Kessler, an Army veteran. “You’re not only playing for yourself, but all those that played before you. It’s just an incredible honor to have that logo on your jersey. If you wore your college jersey over in Russia it wouldn’t be as big of a deal. But with USA on your shirt, people will stop you and want to get your picture. Every team wants to beat you. And to be selected to work with the team this week is just very humbling.” Kesler’s resumé at Grace College includes 679 wins and the 1992 NAIA Division II national championship. Fifteen times under Kessler the Lancers have won 20 games in a season. Three times Grace has won 30 games in a season. This past season, the Lancers were 24-10 and advanced to the NAIA Final Four in Branson, Mo.
