Explorers hire assistant coach

La Salle has named Will Bailey an assistant men's basketball coach, head coach John Giannini announced today.

Bailey, who formerly worked under Giannini at Maine in 2002-03, spent the last 7 seasons as an assistant coach at East Tennessee State.

"Having worked with coach Bailey at Maine, I have first-hand knowledge of his work ethic, professionalism, teaching ability, character and relationships," Giannini said in a statement. "Without exaggeration, he is outstanding in all areas. He will help our recruiting. He will strive to make our players better and be a quality role model. He will also add to the positive chemistry on our staff."

In his 7 seasons at ETSU, the Buccaneers made the NCAA Tournament three times (2004, 2009, 2010), made the NIT in 2007 and won six Atlantic Sun Conference championships.

Bailey is a native of Chicago. He played at Alabama-Birmingham from 1995 to '97.