Oswego, NY - Three former SUNY Oswego men's basketball assistant coaches are taking the next step in their careers, as Brendan Fitzpatrick, Josh Gregory, and Kyle Milligan will all serve on the coaching staff at NCAA Division I Mercyhurst University for the 2026-27 season.

The trio represents the latest success story from head coach Jason Leone's coaching tree, a program that has built a reputation for developing not only championship-caliber players, but also coaches ready to succeed at the next level.

"It was clear to me early on in their tenures here at Oswego State that all three of these coaches had a bright future," Leone said. "They combined essential qualities like intellect, a joy for helping young men, and they were all tremendous recruiters. Making the jump directly from Division III to Division I is uncommon, but I give great credit to Mercyhurst head coach Gary Manchel for recognizing their talent. Too often we focus on what a coach may lack instead of recognizing how gifted they truly are."

Fitzpatrick arrives at Mercyhurst following a standout season at Tufts University, where he helped guide the Jumbos to a 23-6 record and an appearance in the NCAA Division III Elite Eight. The 23 victories matched the program record for wins in a season, and Fitzpatrick played a key role in the development of First Team All-American Scott Gyimesi while helping mentor two additional All-NESCAC selections.

"My time as an assistant at Oswego State was instrumental in my growth as a coach and a person," Fitzpatrick said. "Working alongside Coach Leone and being part of a successful program taught me the importance of relationships, preparation, hard work, and creating a winning culture. The experiences and lessons I gained there prepared me for this opportunity at Mercyhurst. I'll always be grateful for my time at Oswego and the impact it had on my life. Coach Leone is one of the best in the business and someone I call a good friend. I wouldn't be here without his mentorship and support."

Gregory heads to Mercyhurst after spending the past two seasons on Leone's staff, helping Oswego compile a 40-14 overall record while remaining one of the SUNYAC's premier programs. During his tenure, the Lakers produced eight All-SUNYAC selections, two SUNYAC Rookie of the Year recipients, and a SUNYAC Player of the Year.

"My time at Oswego State was instrumental in my development as a coach, and I am incredibly grateful to Coach Jason Leone for allowing me to be part of such a special program," Gregory said. "From the very beginning, Coach Leone trusted and empowered me as a young assistant, allowing me to contribute to every aspect of the program. That experience accelerated my professional growth and helped shape the coach I am today.

"I was fortunate to build lasting relationships with our staff and student-athletes, and I am excited for the opportunity to join Coach Manchel's staff at Mercyhurst. That opportunity would not have been possible without Coach Leone's belief in me and his willingness to invest in my growth. Oswego State will always hold a special place in my coaching journey."

Milligan also earned his opportunity after one season at Oswego, helping guide the Lakers to 17 wins and a berth in the SUNYAC Semifinals. Before arriving in Oswego, he served as a graduate assistant at Russell Sage College after beginning his coaching career as a student assistant at MCLA while competing on the baseball team.

"Coaching at the Division I level has been a smooth transition thanks to Coach Leone's standards," Milligan said. "Every workout, practice, scouting report, or film session was done with the same intensity. I learned what it takes to win.

"My biggest takeaway from Oswego was the importance of relationships. Coach Leone has an incredible way of separating his players' and staffs' personal lives from basketball, and I truly believe the program's success is built on the pride people feel in representing Oswego Men's Basketball and playing for Coach Leone."

For Leone, seeing three former assistants reunited on the same Division I staff is especially meaningful because of the relationships they built in Oswego.

"I am proud of all of our former assistant coaches," Leone said. "The fact that three of them have now landed on the same Division I staff, working for a head coach and school that I have great love for, is one of the best things to happen to our program here at Oswego State. Fitz, Kyle and Josh all took a chance on me and our program, and I couldn't be happier to see their careers advance.

"Most importantly, this family of former assistants is now linked together and helping each other in their own coaching journeys. As I enter the second stage of my career, I'm proud to see our people connected not just as professionals, but as friends. We truly have a family within our program, and these three men are a huge part of that."
 

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