Otavio Battaglia begins his first season as assistant coach at New Mexico Highlands University. His responsibilities will include academic advising, scouting, and defense; he will assist with player development and recruiting.

Coach Battaglia comes to Las Vegas after spending the 2014-15 season at Wichita State. During that season, WSU won the regular- and post-season Missouri Valley Conference championships while setting school records for wins and defensive scoring average. The Shockers recorded the second-best field goal percentage defense in school history and third-best shot-blocking total. WSU’s scoring defense in 2015 ranked No. 4 in the country at 51.8 points per game.

During the summer of 2014, Coach “O” worked with the Brazilian Men’s National Team during the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.  He assisted with scouting and game preparation; helping Brazil to a second place finish in their group and overall sixth place finish in the tournament.

Coach Battaglia’s first coaching position in the U.S was during the 2013-14 season where he coached at Score Basketball Academy in Raleigh North Carolina.

Prior to arriving in the U.S., Coach “O” spent eight seasons with Club Estudiantes in Spain; one of the top development basketball clubs in Europe.  As an integral part of the program, Coach Battaglia was responsible for player development, individual workouts and recruiting. While in charge of player development, he worked with numerous professional players including Lucas Nogueira (Toronto Raptors), Sebastian Sainz (Ole Miss), Ivan Cruz (Miami), Daniel Clark, Rafael Hettsheimer, Fran Guerra, Jason Granger (Orlando Magic Summer League) and Jaime Fernandez.

As an assistant coach, he helped lead Club Estudiantes U-18 and U-16 teams to seven state finals and four appearances in the National Tournament.  The U-20 team also won back to back National Championships.

http://www.nmhucowboys.com/news/2015/9/14/WBB_0914152704.aspx

Photo Courtesy New Mexico Highlands Athletics

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