JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (June 2, 2025) – ETSU men’s basketball head coach Brooks Savage announced changes to his coaching staff on Monday as part of the preparations for the Buccaneers’ 2025–26 season. The new additions include Assistant Coach Miles Lester and Director of Sport Performance for Men’s Basketball Noah Spainhour.
After assistant coach Brian Jones left to return to Bradley following two seasons at ETSU, Savage has promoted Cory Dixon to assistant coach, joining Kris Arkenberg and Marcus Belcher in the role.
“I’m pleased for Brian as he goes back to Bradley,” Savage commented. “We wish him the best—he was exceptional. Kris, Marcus, and Cory are among the top assistants I’ve had the pleasure of working with. They are well-versed in the transfer portal and the ever-evolving dynamics of the sport. I value their loyalty, their belief in the vision, and their daily commitment to bringing a championship back to Johnson City.”
Blake Sexton will maintain his position as Assistant Coach and Director of Operations following his addition to the staff last season.
Lester comes to ETSU from Drury University (Mo.), where he served as an assistant coach this past season. He played for two seasons at both Rice and Wake Forest and was previously a graduate assistant under Kelvin Sampson at Houston before his tenure at Drury.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Miles to our staff,” Savage said. “He brings an abundance of enthusiasm and a strong work ethic that will greatly benefit our players every day.”
Spainhour arrives in Johnson City after one season in a similar role at Stephen F. Austin. Before that, he was the assistant strength and conditioning coach at the University of Miami (Fla.) and Wake Forest.
“Noah provides a seamless transition into the Sport Performance role, succeeding his brother Josh, who did an excellent job for us over the past two seasons,” said Savage. “Noah shares a similar philosophy with Josh and Mike Starke (Wake Forest/ETSU). He is an effective relationship builder and will dedicate himself to our players’ development.”
Coach Savage, along with his staff and players, will be hosting a Youth Skills Camp from June 9-12.
Season tickets for the 2025-26 campaign start at $ 125 for upper baseline seats. For more information or to purchase season tickets, visit ETSUTickets.com or call 423-439-3878.
2025-26 Coaching Staff:
- Brooks Savage – Head Coach
- Kris Arkenberg – Assistant Coach
- Marcus Belcher – Assistant Coach
- Cory Dixon – Assistant Coach
- Miles Lester – Assistant Coach
- Blake Sexton – Assistant Coach/Director of Basketball Operations
- Noah Spainhour – Director of Sport Performance
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