Kenny Otieno has been named the new head coach of the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns men's basketball team. (Photo: Pronghorn Athletics)

By Justin Goulet

Kenny Otieno named new head coach of Pronghorns men’s basketball team

Mar 11, 2023 | 11:45 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The University of Lethbridge (U of L) Pronghorns men’s basketball team has a new head coach. Kenny Otieno takes over the role from Jermaine Small.

Originally from Lethbridge, Otieno had a successful post-secondary career on the court. He won a Canada West championship and a national bronze medal in 2014 with the University of Alberta Golden Bears. Otieno joined the Pronghorns in 2020 after playing with the Edmonton Stingers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). In addition to his time in the CEBL, Otieno gained professional experience playing in the National Basketball League of Canada and LEB Plata in the Spanish basketball system.

Otieno is the 14^th head coach in the U of L program’s 54-year history. In a news release, Executive Director of Pronghorn Athletics, Neil Langevin said, “Kenny’s experience with the team will give him familiarity with both returning and recruited student-athletes. His energy, professionalism and rapport with others has been evident.”

Langevin continued, “Having known Kenny since he was at Wilson Middle School, I am proud of his character and we are eager to help him grow as a head coach with support from the department and his Pronghorns coaching colleagues.”

Otieno said having the opportunity to fully immerse himself in the game is something he has “always dreamed of and have been preparing for.”

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He stated, “It means the world to have the trust of the Pronghorns staff and our players to take this position and I plan on tackling this role with a commitment to hard work and accountability on and off the court.”

Otieno added that his vision for the team includes continuing “to demand a standard of excellence and winning culture built in a manner that promotes growth and success on and off the court. Team camaraderie and team chemistry are key factors in all successful programs and through constructive criticism and positive feedback and advice, I want to grow that culture.”

He said his experience as a U SPORTS athlete will help him in understanding some of the struggles his players may face. Otieno said, “Through my experiences and strong relationships with my players, I hope to help them understand how to navigate and push through the hardships on and off the court to be successful young men. Creating and promoting opportunities for our players to be mentors to young aspiring athletes that look up to them will also be a major focus as I believe it is an important factor to improving community engagement.”

Otieno will assume the new role as head coach immediately.

Read more local sports at Lethbridge News Now.