PEMBROKE – UNC Pembroke men's basketball head coach Drew Richards announced the addition of Demontrez Austin, an experienced coaching veteran, has joined the staff as an assistant coach.  
 
Austin joins the staff making multiple stops along the way. He recently served as the assistant coach at Peru State College where he coordinated recruitment, developed workouts for strength and conditioning, and reviewed film with post players and guards. 
 
"We are excited to bring Coach Trez to our staff this year," said Richards. "After a successful playing career on the Junior College, NCAA, and professional levels, he has had a fast rise in the coaching ranks. We look forward to him bringing his knowledge and enthusiasm for the game on the practice court and sidelines."
 
Austin first got his start in coaching as a graduate assistant coach at Reinhardt. He made a stop at Ellsworth Community College where he helped the team to the NJCAA Final Four. 
 
"Joining this program is a true blessing, and I give God all the glory for leading me to this new chapter," said Austin. "As an assistant coach, I am fully committed to investing my time, energy, and heart into this team. We are going to work hard every single day to compete at the highest level, and I am excited to help guide our players to reach their full potential both in the game and in life." 
 
Austin played at South Georgia State from 2012-2015 before finishing his collegiate playing career at Jacksonville State in 2017. He spent one season playing professionally for Liga Mayor Baloncesto in Cojutepeque, El Salvador before getting into coaching.