Everick Sullivan introduced as Eastside head basketball coach

Eastside High School officially intorduced Everick Sullivan as new head varsity basketball coach on Monday. Sullivan most recently served as basketball head coach at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Eastside High School announced the appointment of Everick Sullivan as the Eagles’ new head varsity basketball coach.

Sullivan most recently served as the head basketball coach at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Before that, he worked as an assistant at Georgia State. Sullivan played high school basketball at Hillcrest and collegiately at Louisville before embarking on a successful 10-year professional career overseas.

The Eagles’ new head coach addressed players and parents in Eastside’s media center on Monday afternoon.

“I’m super excited to be back home,” said Sullivan. “It’s been 30 years since I’ve been back to South Carolina to stay.”

Sullivan takes over the varsity basketball head coach position from Tom Chamness, who’s served in the role for the past 22 years. Chamness was in attendance for Sullivan’s introductory press conference. The incoming head coach gave “Coach Cham” his roses.

“Coach Chamness did an incredible job here. I’ve talked to him a couple of times, and he’s told me nothing but positive things about this place,” said Sullivan. “He’s a true Eastside guy.”

Sullivan spoke directly to his players during the conference, encouraging them to be ready to put in work. He mentioned his excitement to be a part of the “youth movement” at Eastside, a program that graduated four seniors from last year’s starting five.

“We’ve got a great nucleus of young guys in this program that we can build off of. That’s a big upside,” said Sullivan. “As long as they’re hungry, dedicated, and committed to putting the work in, I think they’ll be happy with the outcome.”

“I’m really excited to play for him,” said Eastside sophomore guard Brandon Ray of Sullivan. “He’s a coach with college experience and someone who’s played at a really high level. I’ll be able to learn a lot from him.”

Sullivan shook the hands of every player and parent before they left after his introduction. It won’t be long before he’s putting in work on the court with them, but for now, his focus is on getting to know the people instead of the players.

“I want to get in the gym, but more importantly, I want to get to know each of these guys,” said Sullivan. “It’s more important for me to get to know them off the floor. I want to see what their drive is, and what their aspirations and visions are.

“It takes time to build relationships with these players. You can’t force these kinds of things, it’s got to happen organically.”