PORTALES, N.M. – Lenoir-Rhyne University (N.C.) has named Brent Owen as its next head coach for the men's basketball program.

"The past four years have been life changing for me. I've changed as a coach, I've changed as a person, and I've grown so much stronger in my faith since arriving in Portales," said Brent Owen. "I will truly be forever grateful that Eastern New Mexico University gave me an opportunity to be a head coach when no one else would."

LR is a private Division II institution in the South Atlantic Conference. It is located in Hickory, North Carolina. The program finished 15-14 in 2023-24 and has advanced to the NCAA tournament seven times. They have not won a conference title since 2008-09.

Brent Owen guided the Greyhounds to a 46-39 record in three full seasons. He saw ENMU go from seven wins his first playable season in Portales to 22 victories during the 2023-24 season. Those 22 wins are the most in 31 years, the same amount of time as the last conference tourney title for Eastern New Mexico.

Owen coached several all-LSC honorees including Kentrell Pullian, Jahcoree Ealy, Greg Johnson, Jose Murillo, Conrad Luczynski, Eze Dike, Errol White, and Blazej Czerniewicz.

"Thank you for the support that you provided for our program which allowed us to compete for a championship and gave these student-athletes a positive experience," said Owen in appreciation towards the Portales community in support for the team. "Thank you for making me and my family feel loved."

The decision comes with "the opportunity to get my children closer to their grandparents and cousins" and to "put my wife, Ashley, in a better position for her career."

"Brent did so much for ENMU Athletics and I am grateful for all he accomplished as a Greyhound," said interim athletic director Michael Molina. "He not only elevated the men's basketball program, but he made a true difference at our university and in the community."

Further information on the future leadership of Eastern New Mexico men's basketball will be shared at a later time.