SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Drury men's basketball head coach Chris Foster has announced the addition of Brian Pearson to the Panthers coaching staff as an assistant coach.
 
"Brian has invaluable experience from his 4 years at Iowa State. He comes highly recommended by Coach Otzelberger and the rest of the staff," commented coach Foster, "His work ethic and ability mentor student athletes will have a positive impact on our program. We are excited to welcome Brian and his wife Leah to Drury."
 
Pearson arrives at Drury after spending the past four seasons with the Iowa State men's basketball program, where he contributed to four NCAA Tournament appearances and two trips to the Sweet 16 under head coach T.J. Otzelberger. During his tenure in Ames, the Cyclones amassed 95 wins, and Pearson played a role in the development of eight All-Big 12 selections.
 
"I'm incredibly excited to join Coach Foster and Coach Briscoe at Drury," said Pearson. "This is a special place, and my wife (Leah) and I are so grateful for the opportunity to become part of such a respected program in a great city like Springfield."
 
Pearson began his time at Iowa State as a student manager in 2021 before being elevated to a graduate assistant in 2023. In that role, he was actively involved in player development, opponent scouting, recruiting, community outreach, and practice planning.
 
A native of Manson, Iowa, Pearson was a multi-sport athlete at Manson Northwest Webster High School, competing in baseball, basketball, football, and track. He went on to play baseball collegiately as a left-handed pitcher at Iowa Central Community College.
 
Pearson comes from a family with deep ties to Iowa State basketball. His father, Mark, served as a graduate assistant for the program, while his late uncle, Brian, played for the Cyclones from 1988 to 1992.
 
He received a degree in Communications from Iowa State University.
 
At Drury, Pearson will join a coaching staff led by Chris Foster, who enters his fifth season at the helm, alongside assistant coach Sam Briscoe, who returns to the program after three years coaching at the high school level.
 
#OneDrury