SAVANNAH, Ga. - Head men's basketball coach Jeff Burkhamer announced today the addition of Ryan Hilburn to the coaching staff for the 2008-09 season. Hilburn replaces Joel Lecoeuvre, who will be the head coach of the Windsor Forest HS boys basketball team this upcoming season.

Hilburn joins the Pirates after spending the last two seasons as a graduate assistant on the Charleston Southern University men's basketball staff. Prior to that, Hilburn served for five years while an undergraduate with the University of South Carolina men's basketball staff.

"We are excited about Ryan becoming a part of our basketball program at Armstrong Atlantic State," head coach Jeff Burkhamer said. "Ryan is an energetic, ambitious and enthusiastic young coach. He's been involved with very successful basketball programs at the University of South Carolina and Charleston Southern University and has gained valuable on-court experience.

"Ryan will be involved with the individual development of our players, recruiting, team travel, film breakdown, film exchange, strength program and academics. We are happy to welcome Ryan to the AASU basketball family."

A 2006 graduate of South Carolina, Hilburn received a B.S. degree in sport management. A native of Charleston, HIlburn graduated from Northwood Academy in 2000 and helped lead Northwood to the 2000 SCISA AAA State Championship.