Player Bio: Billy Lange :: Men's Basketball

Billy Lange

Position:
Head Coach

Experience:
Fifth Year at Navy

Alma Mater:
Rowan '94

When Billy Lange was hired as the 18th head coach in Navy history in 2004, he brought with him an energy and a passion to rebuild the Navy basketball program back to the Patriot League elite status it enjoyed for so long in the 1990s.

Now entering his fifth season at Navy, Lange has the Midshipmen program firmly on the cusp of re-establishing itself as a significant force in the Patriot League race. Lange, who has won 50 games in his first four seasons on The Yard, including 30 in the past two seasons, has registered a 50-66 (.431) record in four years at Navy. He enters the season needing just 11 victories for 100 in his career after posting a 39-19 record in two years at the Merchant Marine Academy.

Armed with one of the most potent offensive line-ups in the Patriot League with still a relatively young team, Lange guided Navy to its first winning season in seven years in 2007-08 with a 16-14 overall mark. The Mids played decent early on, but couldn't get over the hump in starting the season just 3-8. However, Navy went 13-6 over its last 19 games, and ran off a six-game winning streak during Patriot League play that included a pair of victories over Patriot League champion American, to finish 9-5 in the Patriot League standings, good for second place.

Not bad for a team that was picked to finish seventh in the Patriot League. For his efforts in the turnaround, Lange was named the 2008 Patriot League Coach of the Year, an honor that a Navy coach has now won four times in 17 years as a member of the Patriot League.

Despite the 16-14 record, the Mids still suffered several near-misses. Navy went just 8-10 when leading at halftime and 11 of their 14 losses came by 10 points or fewer.

However, with six of its first eight losses coming by 10 or fewer points, Navy earned a two-point win at St. Francis (N.Y.) on Dec. 29, setting the stage for its remarkable run. All that the team needed was a close win to give it the confidence it needed to be a factor. Following that win, Navy won tight games against Lehigh (twice), Bucknell, Lafayette, Holy Cross and Army, in which Navy was forced to rally in the second half or hang on late to narrow leads.

The ability to rally was never more evident than a late February game on national television at Army. After struggling in the first half against a strong defense and falling behind 27-18 at the halftime break, the Mids still trailed 35-25 with just over 16 minutes to play.

However, after making an adjustment of installing 6-8 forward Adam Teague and 6-4 sparkplug Clif Colbert into the game while spreading out the Black Knights' defense, the Mids outscored Army, 46-28, over the last 16 minutes to win their sixth straight Star Game, and to help Lange remain undefeated in Star Games against Army.

The Mids accomplished all of their success with a lethal offensive attack that featured four guards and a freshman center. Greg Sprink, Navy's first Patriot League Player of the Year honoree and a 2008 All-America selection, was the kingpin, averaging 21.8 points per game and finishing his career with 1,785 points, the third most in academy history.

He was aided by a trio of guards in Kaleo Kina, Chris Harris and Romeo Garcia. Harris had a sensational sophomore season, earning second-team All-Patriot League accolades while smashing the school record for three-pointers in a season with 91, while Kina contributed 14.0 ppg. The trio of Sprink, Harris and Kina became the first Navy trio to each score 14.0 points per outing in a season.

Garcia gave the Mids a steady freshman hand in the lineup and was regarded as the team's defensive stopper en route to Patriot League All-Rookie Team honors. Garcia became just the second freshman in Navy history with 100 points, 100 rebounds, 30 assists and 25 steals.

The man in the middle, Mark Veazey, set a freshman record for blocked shots with 38, passing the great David Robinson, while also giving Lange a solid rebounder in the post.

Lange also got excellent contributions from Adam Teague, Brian Richards and Clif Colbert off the bench, all recording big games to help Navy to key wins during the course of the season.

As a team, Navy's uptempo style of play allowed the Mids to lead the league in scoring, rebounding and assists, while the defense took pride in forcing turnovers. The Mids were one of the top teams nationally in both turnover margin and steals.

The Mids were also able to hold onto leads late in the game, thanks to their free throw shooting. Navy set a school record for free throw percentage in a season (.749) and three of the top seven single-season free throw percentage totals have come under Lange.

But what sets Lange's teams apart from others is the ability and clearance to shoot the three-pointer. Navy connected on (288) and attempted (820) more three-pointers than any team in school history and finished the season ranked sixth nationally in three-pointers made per game. Three of the top four single-season three-point totals have come in the last four seasons, and Navy has had 13 instances of 13 or more three-pointers in a game under Lange. Before Lange arrived, Navy had just five such outings.

Lange has a way of also developing young players. In his four years at Navy, five freshmen have been named to the Patriot League All-Rookie Team, including 2008 selection, Romeo Garcia. Garcia joined Kaleo Kina, Trey Stanton, Greg Sprink and Corey Johnson as freshmen that have earned the honor under Lange.

Perhaps the fact that Lange is most proud of is the role his squad has taken on in the classroom. Since his arrival, team GPA has increased by nearly half a point. Eight players recorded GPAs better than 2.50 in the 2008 spring semester and six of them had cumulative GPAs better than 2.60.

The 2006-07 team showed marked improvement on the defensive end, en route to a 14-16 record. The Mids ranked 45th nationally in scoring defense, were 82nd in field goal percentage defense and finished 70th in three-point field goal percentage defense. The 62.7 ppg allowed were the sixth fewest since recordkeeping began in 1952 and the lowest amount allowed since the 1979-80 season. Lange's team put itself in position for a home Patriot League Quarterfinal game entering the last week of the season and won the Star Game for the fifth straight year. The Mids also recorded impressive wins over Loyola (Md.), Stony Brook and William & Mary, and gave national power Villanova all it could handle two days after Thanksgiving.

In addition, Lange's offensive philosophy flourished. The Mids connected on a then school-record 260 three-pointers while making a then school-record 74.7 percent of their free throws. Navy was one of two schools nationally to have nine players reach double-digits in three-pointers made (Southeast Missouri State was the other).

Navy's offense was the highlight of Lange's second season, 2005-06, as the Mids led the league in scoring for the second straight year, edging Lafayette by 1.4 points per game. Navy also ranked second in free throw percentage (.722), which was good for 67th in the country. In the 2004-05 season, Navy shot just .651 from the free throw line, showing a vast improvement on the charity stripe.

Lange's 2005-06 squad featured one of the top backcourts in the Patriot League in Greg Sprink, Corey Johnson and Kaleo Kina. The trio combined to average 34.8 ppg and connected on 120 three-pointers.

Leading the way was the sophomore Sprink, who turned in the finest sophomore season since Eddie Reddick in 1988-89. Sprink averaged 14.9 ppg in all games, but saw the average bump to 15.5 in Patriot League games, ranking third in the league in scoring. He connected for over 30 points twice, setting school records for most points in a half (2nd half; 31 vs. Brown), most points off the bench (34 vs. Brown) and most three-pointers in a game (9 vs. Brown). Sprink also finished the season ranked in the top 50 nationally in free throw percentage and became just the ninth player in school history to record multiple 30-point games.

Kina earned an Patriot League All-Rookie Team accolade after ranking 15th in the league in scoring at 10.4 ppg.

The 2004-05 campaign was the beginning of a new era for Navy basketball with first-year head coach Billy Lange at the helm. One that preached a commitment to the team and the restoration of a tradition that has bled Blue and Gold for many years.

With the new outlook came a new style of play, a new attitude -- an aggressive, fast-paced, in-your-face, sense of panic which was welcomed not only by the team, but by Navy's faithful fans.

Featuring one of the youngest line-ups in the country, Navy posted its second consecutive 10-18 mark, using eight freshmen and sophomores on a regular basis, including seven of them starting at least one game.

While the Mids had their share of growing pains, which included 10 losses by six points or less, by the end of January the hard work, focus and discipline paid off. Navy won five of their final 10 games, including an 82-71 victory over Colgate. Two days after defeating the Raiders, the Mids posted a 66-62 victory over Patriot League Tournament champion Bucknell, who defeated Kansas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

A week later, 2004 senior captain Taj Mathews turned in a career-high 26-point effort and led Navy to its third-consecutive Star Game win over archrival Army, 84-69, and for Lange, a victory in his first Star Game. Mathews was 6-of-14 from behind the arc, setting the record for most three-point field goals made and attempted by a Navy player in an Army-Navy contest. Meanwhile, the Mids' 13 made three-pointers against the Black Knights is etched in the record book as the third most three-pointers made in a single game in school history.

Navy ended the season 10-18, winning five more games than the year before, and the Mids' six conference wins were the most since the 2000-01 team owned a 9-3 Patriot League mark

Navy finished 2004-05 ranked among the country's top 50 in two statistical categories -- rebound margin and steals. The Mids' +5.1 rebound margin was the 32nd best among 326 Div. I schools in the nation. Meanwhile, Navy finished No. 34 in steals per game, grabbing 8.9 per contest.

The Mids finished the 2004-05 campaign ranked No. 1 in the Patriot League in four statistical categories (overall games), including scoring offense. Navy averaged 69.7 points per game, 2.5 points more than second-place Lafayette (67.2 ppg). The Mids displayed a +13.5 scoring gain over the previous season, while averaging just under six rebounds a game more than the 2003-04 campaign.

Navy also led the league in rebounding offense (41.1), offensive rebounds (16.11) and rebounding margin (+5.1). In Patriot League competition, Navy paced the conference in rebounding offense (42.4) and offensive rebounds (17.14).

Navy finished the season by setting three school records for Patriot League action -- three-point field goals made (99), three-point field goals attempted (297) and rebounds (593).

Lange helped mold Corey Johnson and Greg Sprink into Patriot League All-Rookie Team members. The duo made Academy history as Johnson and Sprink became the first tandem to score 200 points each in their plebe season.

"Coach Lange brings incredible energy and passion to the team," said David Hooper, who completed his eligibility in 2006 as one of the top three-point shooters in school history. "He really has provided an environment for success, while teaching the team about the qualities of developing character. With this he challenges each one of us to become a better man, and I respect him for that."

"Coach Lange is very enthusiastic and he is instilling a winning attitude among us all," said seniorcaptain Adam Teague. "Knowing that Coach Lange will be there to work us in basketball and help us in anything we need off the court helps our confidence."

"Coach Lange is the most passionate person I've ever met," added Clif Colbert. "The energy he puts into life is not only contagious, it's inspiring."

Newcomers are also excited about the opportunity to play for Lange.

"Coach Lange is a guy that I have full trust in," said transfer O.J. Avworo. "It is hard to find a coach with his enthusiasm and compassion at this level. He understands his players and will be there with you whether you are struggling to make jump shots or having family problems."

"He is a players coach. It always seems like he is going to have your back and understand you," said freshman Jordan Sugars. "He is very easy to talk to and get along with. He also has a very energetic and passionate attitude that shows his love for the game and his players."

On March 26, 2004, Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk introduced Lange as the Mids' head men's basketball coach, the 19th in the program's storied history. Lange came to Navy from Villanova where he served as a member of the Wildcats' coaching staff for the three seasons.

"I'm extremely excited about the opportunity to coach at what I believe is the finest educational institution in the country. The Naval Academy possesses the best student-athletes in the nation and together we will create a positive environment that is built on teamwork and respects the tradition of the Academy and Navy Basketball," said Lange.

"To meet Coach Lange is to be immediately impressed with his energy, demeanor and enthusiasm for this important opportunity," said Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk. "Everyone we talked to that has worked with him, for him, or played on his teams has the highest compliments regarding his successful professional relationships and motivating style of leadership. I strongly believe our players will enjoy playing for Coach Lange and will compete to the best of their abilities for him. He will be a wonderful role model for our midshipmen, those within the Naval Academy family and throughout the community."

While at Villanova, Lange played a vital role in the daily operation of the men's basketball program where he served as both an assistant coach and coordinator of basketball operations.

In his three years at Villanova, Lange was part of a staff which led the Wildcats to three-straight appearances in the National Invitational Tournament, including a berth in the NIT Quarterfinals win 2004.

"Billy Lange is one of the great young basketball coaches in the country," said Jay Wright, head men's basketball coach at Villanova. "He understands from his years at Kings Point and Villanova how to run an entire program. He was invaluable to us in everything we've done to try and build our program at Villanova in one of the toughest conferences in the country, the Big East. I've known him through his years as a high school coach, college assistant and college head coach and he has a tremendous understanding of the game, a great passion for the game and an outstanding ability to relate and inspire young players. Everyone at Villanova wishes Billy the best and we're all rooting for Navy."

"He is easily the most passionate and energetic coach I've ever worked with and I know that his teams will play with that same passion that he has," said Joe Jones, head basketball coach at Columbia University and former assistant at Villanova. "He's the whole package, he's energetic, knowledgeable and hard working."

At the age of 36, Lange already owns an impressive coaching resume. Appointed head coach at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1999, Lange led his team to a 39-19 (.672) record in two seasons, while claiming two Skyline Conference crowns and a berth in the 2001 NCAA Division III Sweet 16. Lange was named the New York Metropolitan Basketball Writers Division III Coach of the Year in 2001.

"Honor, courage and commitment, the Navy's core values, along with integrity, character and discipline are a few of the characteristics required of a coach who represents the Naval Academy," said Nate Barton, who was the captain of Lange's Sweet 16 team at the Merchant Marine Academy. "Those words and their meanings are all what defines Coach Lange. You will not find another coach out there that cares more about his players, who is more passionate about the game of basketball and who is more capable of winning than Coach Lange."

A native of Haddon Heights, N.J., Lange played basketball at Bishop Eustace (N.J.) High School for his father, Bill Lange Sr., and at Rowan College before moving into the coaching ranks in 1995. In his first and only season as the head coach, taking over for his father who was in a life-threatening accident just one week into the season, Lange led Bishop Eustace to a 20-6 record and an appearance in the state New Jersey State Championship game.

In 1996, Lange joined the staff at Philadelphia University where he spent the next two seasons working for head coach Herb Magee. In 1998, he moved into the Division I ranks as an assistant coach at La Salle University where he helped tutor forward Rasual Butler, who is now in his fourth season with the Miami Heat.

Lange and his wife, Alicia, are the parents of four sons, Will (born December 15, 2003), Matthew (born May 9, 2005) and twins Jacob and Mark (born June 21, 2007).

# GO NAVY #