Wagner adds former St. Joseph's standout as assistant coach

Staten Island, NY – Wagner Head Men’s Basketball Coach Bashir Mason announced that former Saint Joseph’s University standout Dwayne Lee has been named as the Seahawks’ graduate manager for the upcoming season.

“Dwayne is a lifelong friend of mine, his dad coached us growing up and I am excited to have him here at Wagner,” said Mason. “He was an outstanding player and has a high-level basketball IQ. He is a steal for us.”

Lee earned four letters while playing in two NCAA Tournaments for the Hawks from 2002-2006. Over his first two years on Hawk Hill, the Jersey City native served as a back-up point guard to 2004 National Player of the Year and Orlando Magic All-Star guard Jameer Nelson. As a sophomore, Lee helped Saint Joseph’s to a perfect regular season, 30 wins and a berth in the Elite 8.

He then made the seamless transition to starter for his final two years with the Hawks, guiding Philadelphia-based institution to the Finals of the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) as a junior and a pair of Atlantic 10 Championship Game appearances. All told, Lee was a part of 96 wins, the second best total for a four-year class in school history, while finishing 11th with 371 career assists. 

“In the long and proud tradition of Saint Joseph's University, no one has brought more honor to his family name, this program and this University than Dwayne Lee,” said Hawks Head Coach Phil Martelli. “His future in the coaching profession is bright and without limit."

Following his time at Saint Joseph’s, Lee played professionally for the Sellbytel Baskets in Germany’s top division, before helping the Vermont Frost Heaves to the ABA Championship. He then concluded his career with Etha Basketball in the first division of the Cyprus League.

Lee prepped at St. Anthony High School under the direction of legendary Hall of Fame coach Bob Hurley, helping the Friars to two-straight New Jersey State Tournament of Champions titles and a No. 2 National Ranking by the USA Today.

“I am very excited about the new opportunity here at Wagner to join a staff with a coach that has been a lifelong friend of mine,” said Lee. “It is a great opportunity to jump on board with a program that is heading in the right direction. I plan to bring new energy and a winning attitude to an already elite staff.”

Lee will be pursuing his master’s degree in education at Wagner, after graduating from Saint Joseph’s with a bachelor’s degree in business marketing.