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Justin Rees (Barry `97) enters his second season on the Maine coaching staff. In his first season in Orono last year, Rees worked with the post-players, and helped mentor forwards Colleen Kilmurray, Brittany Boser and Katia Bratishko, who set career highs in scoring, rebounding and minutes played. Kilmurray tied for the team lead in scoring (9.1 ppg) and led the squad in rebounding (5.0 rpg). In addition to working with the post players, Rees serves as the team's recruiting coordinator. Rees came to Orono after spending the previous five years at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich. While at Ferris State, Rees served as the associate head coach, recruiting coordinator and camp director for the women's program. Rees helped guide Ferris State to a 23-9 record and a berth in the NCAA Division II Tournament Great Lakes Regional Final. It marked the first time in program history that Ferris State had won a game in the NCAA Tournament. Overall, Ferris State went to the NCAAs twice during Rees' time on the staff. Rees mentored six players who combined to earn 13 all-conference honors and three players who were named All-Americans. He also worked with a pair of players who went on to play professionally overseas. Rees was responsible for overseeing the recruiting operation at Ferris State. On the practice court, he worked with the low-post players and did individual skill workouts with the perimeter. He also organized all defensive scouting reports and scout tapes. Prior to coming to Ferris State, he served as an assistant coach at Post University in Waterbury, Conn., for three years. "Justin Rees is dedicated to the game of basketball and being an educator," Blodgett said. "He knows coaching can make a big difference in a student-athlete's life, so he takes his role as a mentor very seriously. "He's young, energetic, and excited about being here. He's very aware of where we're heading as a program and he is excited for the challenge." Rees graduated from Barry University in Miami Shores, Fla., in 1997 with a degree in broadcast communications and a minor in business. He also played on the men's basketball team during his collegiate career. Rees worked as a broadcaster on a radio station in Melbourne, Fla. following graduation, but before he got into coaching. He also worked as a camera operator at a TV station in New Britain, Conn., while coaching at Post. |
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