Bethel College Hall of Famer Eric Brand has been named the head coach at South Bend Riley.

Eric Brand played at Bethel College from 1996-2000 before playing overseas. He worked with a number of college basketball teams including Baylor and Texas State. Last year, Brand was an assistant coach for Warren Central. 

Brand enters a bit of controversy at South Bend Riley. The South Bend Tribue reported that Mark Johnson complained of administrative interference last year at Riley.  As the story reports, the superintendent is looking into the claims. That's something that will derail a program quickly.

Eric Brand inherits plenty of talent led by Damezi Anderson. He is a core Indiana Junior All-Star with offers from the likes of Purdue, UCONN and DePaul.  The first priority for Brand will be making sure Anderson stays at Riley instead of bolting to a prep school. There were rumors that Anderson considered prep school before last season. 

Riley also returns Shamar Dillard, Rylen Grundy, Jalen Jennings and others. If Anderson returns, Riley will be a team to beat in 4A. Even without Anderson, Riley will have plenty of talent to compete.

As a first-year head coach, Brand will be thrown out of the frying pan and into the fire.