ORANGEBURG, S.C. -- South Carolina State men’s basketball assistant coach Rio Pitt was selected to attend the 2016 Coaches Workshop at Marine Corps Base Quantico held May 18-21 in Quantico, Va.

 “I am honored to be selected to participate in the program and grateful for the opportunity to become a better leader, role model and coach,” said Pitt. “We are always trying to better ourselves and live what we preach to our own guys.”

 The United States Marine Corps sponsors the coaches’ workshop where only a few coaches around the country are able to participate in the program, with all expenses paid throughout the training. The workshop teaches leadership and developmental skills for coaches in hopes to become better leaders. The training will consist of morning workouts, leadership seminars, a leadership reaction course and discipline of character through martial arts demonstration.

 “Coach Garvin has created a culture within this program where everyone from himself on down to the managers has to have a desire to continuously improve on all levels,” stated Pitt. As a young coach, I’m very thankful to be under his leadership because it pushes me to be better daily, take responsibility for my future and not be complacent with minor success.”

The Marine Corps developed the program to give coaches a taste what it takes to become a Marine Corps Officer and develop a culture of leadership within their teams.

 Pitt, a former standout with the Bulldog basketball team, is in his fifth season as an assistant coach and is responsible for player development, recruiting, on-the-floor coaching, team operations, and he also serves as video coordinator. 

 A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Pitt earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from SC State in 2011. He currently resides in Orangeburg, S.C. and is a member of several professional organizations, including the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and Omega Psi Phi, Inc.