August 22, 2005

Brantley returns from Europe to help coach the Tigers

Following a three-year stint playing basketball professionally in Europe, Arkansas City native Anthony Brantley is back home as he was recently hired as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Cowley College.

Brantley played basketball at Arkansas City High School and graduated from the school in 1996. He then went on to play one year of basketball at Colby Community College before returning to Arkansas City to play for Cowley during the 1997-98 season.

Brantley then spent two seasons playing for NCAA Division II Oakland City University in Indiana. He earned a degree in physical education from the school in 2000.

After graduation, Brantley came back to Arkansas City and served as the assistant basketball coach at Arkansas City Middle School. He also coached Mid-America Youth Basketball and recreation league basketball.

Getting a chance to coach at the collegiate level is something that excites Brantley.

“I have always wanted to be involved with basketball, either playing or coaching,” Brantley said. “This is a great opportunity for me to get my foot in the door in the coaching aspect. This is where my family is from, so I am glad to be home.”

As a player, Brantley led Cowley’s 1997-98 squad to a record of 25-7. The 6-6 post player went on to have two solid years at OCU, which led to a chance to play professionally in Europe.

Brantley made the most of his chance to play professionally as he finished in the top 10 in scoring each of his three seasons in the league, and averaged 21 points and seven rebounds this past season.

“It was a good lifestyle over there,” Brantley said. “You can’t beat getting to do what you love for a couple more years.”

Although he had a great experience playing pro ball, Brantley is looking forward to getting back into coaching.

“I enjoy teaching basketball, whether it be execution or life skills,” Brantley said. “I enjoy everything that is involved with it. I am going to try to soak up everything that I can. Hopefully, I can help the interior players learn the ins and outs of the game. I also plan on doing whatever I can to help make this a successful program and support (head) coach (Brian) Jackson.”

Brantley used to play pick-up basketball games with some of the Cowley basketball players during the summer, and got to know Jackson. Brantley’s personality and knowledge of the game impressed Jackson.

“He will be a great role model for the kids and a tremendous asset for our basketball program,” Jackson said. “He has had an opportunity to play in many different arenas, and will bring a great deal of knowledge of the game to the table.”