MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg men's basketball head coach Don Friday has announced a pair of changes to his coaching staff ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 season. 


After spending the 2024-25 campaign on Friday's staff, assistant coach Drew Shaw has accepted a similar position at William Peace University, while fellow assistant Donald Friday Jr. has been selected to fill the void left by Shaw. 


"I am very excited for Drew and the opportunity he has at William Peace," said Friday. "Their players and coaches will soon appreciate the care he puts into each and every player, as well as the knowledge he possesses regarding life and basketball."


With the move, Shaw, a Guilford College graduate and North Carolina native, will head closer to home. William Peace is located in Raleigh, N.C. and competes as a member of the USA South Conference. 


"We are very grateful for Drew and Lexie," Friday continued. "They immediately became part of the Penn State and Middletown communities. Although Coach Shaw's time here was short, he made a great impact on our players, program and department."


No stranger to the program, Friday Jr. will fill the role of top assistant after serving on the men's basketball coaching staff the past two seasons.


"I am excited to welcome Donald Jr. to serve in this important role within our Penn State Harrisburg program," said the elder Friday. "He is well prepared and ready for this opportunity.  As a coach and father, I have the unique opportunity to watch a talented and successful young person forge his way into the college basketball industry."  


Friday Jr. was a four-year player for Penn State Harrisburg who graduated from the college in 2023. He appeared in nearly 40 games during his career, was a key reserve on two NCAA Tournament teams (2020, 2022) and was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Honors Court three times. 


"Donald is a proud graduate of Penn State Harrisburg and played in our program," continued Friday. "His familiarity with the academics, student support services and basketball program will help us provide our student-athletes with a great experience here. He will help our staff continue to deliver energy and focus on being student-athlete centered. I am so proud to be the head coach at Penn State Harrisburg and work alongside director of athletics Rahsaan Carlton and our many talented coaches and support staff as we continue to build something great." 


The Lions will open their 2025-26 campaign by hosting Mount Union during the annual Penn State Harrisburg Tip-Off Classic on Saturday evening, Nov. 8. 


Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.