Sep 03, 2014 07:25 AM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Earl Grant has been named the 23rd men's basketball head coach at College of Charleston. Grant replaces former head coach Doug Wojcik who was sacked amid allegations of verbal abuse.

Director of Athletics Joe Hull said that Grant will bring the much-needed energy and excitement to the program.

"I believe the College of Charleston has a boundless opportunity with Coach Earl Grant, and I am confident he will help launch a new beginning full of excellence, teamwork and success," President Glenn McConnell said in a statement. "Earl inherits a team that has bonded together during the past months and has shown character, fortitude and leadership."

Grant joins the Cougars after serving as an assistant coach at Clemson for the last four seasons. Prior to Clemson, Grant spent six years as an assistant coach at College of Charleston.

At Clemson, the Stall High School graduate primarily worked with Tiger point guards and was responsible for recruitments as well as player development.

Under his leadership, the Tigers posted a 23-13 overall record in the 2013-14 season and a 10-win improvement from the previous season. Clemson progressed to the NIT semifinals and was 10-8 during the ACC regular season.

In Grant's first season in 2010-11, Clemson scored a 22-12 overall record, 9-7 league mark in the ACC and advanced to the semifinals in Greensboro, N.C. Clemson also made a fourth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Clemson also displayed strong defenses in four seasons with Grant. In 2011-12, Clemson yielded just 60.6 points per game to the opposition, the second-best figure among ACC schools. In 2012-13, the Tigers dropped the figure to 60.1 points per game and 58.4 points per game in 2013-14 (ACC era-best). The Tiger perimeter defense was No. 1 nationally defending the three-pointer (.286) last season.

"Earl will bring a very positive, energetic and genuine style to our basketball program. Earl has been a very proven and polished assistant coach having worked for two of the best and most successful coaches in the profession in Gregg Marshall and Brad Brownell," said Legendary College of Charleston Head Coach John Kresse.

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