As players for the Lincoln University Men’s basketball team, it is without reserve that we recommend Head Coach Gene Lett Jr. return as head coach in Fall 2020. For us, there is no other option than Coach Gene. Coach Gene has what is believed to be two qualities needed to succeed in any endeavor he sets out on : intellectual capability and a deep personal commitment to excellence in his field. He came in with Doug Overton as an assistant coach, however he was not treated as an assistant, he was treated as an associate head coach. Since his arrival, Coach Gene developed the qualities of a head coach and has the ability to outcoach many coaches in our conference. Aside from Coach Gene’s dedication to developing the team’s skills, it is his deep personal commitment to discipline his players to become better men that make him an ideal candidate for the position.

Deonta Dunlap: “He taught me discipline, like how it’s going to be at the next level. 

Initially, I was upset, but I’ve realized that he was being real. I respect him for it, he pushed me out of my comfort zone to be a better player and a better man. We can’t lose him. He goes above and beyond, doing for us what other coaches wouldn’t.”

Keynante Williams: “Every time it seemed like the game was going bad or I had all odds against me he would tell me to be patient, that my time was coming. As long as I kept working, I knew that it would pay off. He’s the only coach that I’ve ever had that tried to understand me as a person and a player. He gave me a chance when nobody else would, and I thank him for that.”

Jordan Camper: “Coach Gene is family to me. And he’s very important to the family environment we are trying to continue here at Lincoln. Without CG (Coach Gene) then we lose the true backbone of that family.”

Bernard Lightsey: “Coach Gene shows me tough love because he sees something in me that I didn’t see in myself. He taught me that turning into a young man, nobody is going to give you anything, you gotta earn everything you want. What you put into it is what you get out of it. I’m embracing it because it shows me that he really cares about me. He gave me the comfort to do what I have to. He always told me, “I’m here for you... I’m always up, you can call me anytime of the night or day... I will drive back to campus if I have to… I love you and I’m always here to talk.” He treats me like I’m a son or a brother and our relationship is remarkable.”

Resean White: “Coming in as a walk-on freshman, one of the major things I lacked as a basketball player and person was confidence. Coach Gene played a huge role over the season in helping me gain confidence and stand firm. I wouldn’t be the same player I am today without him.”

Zahrion Blue: “Coach Gene believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. He made me a better person on and off the court. At the center of our team, he always emphasized trust and loyalty, we’re big on that. He stayed down with me when times got hard. Gene is the definition of a Real Man, for that he gets every bit of my respect as a coach and as a man. We need him.”

Daequan Williams: “Coach Gene was a big part of my success as a CIAA player. He not only taught me discipline, patience, and maturity, he kept me sane at times. Coach Gene would always tell us, “call me at any time, any time of the night. If you need me, I will drive to Lincoln for you.” He really loves us, and because of that he’s become a role model to me for the type of man that he is.”