Conan McCusker, who competed for the men’s basketball team from 2021 to 2025, has stepped into a new role that feels both familiar and fresh. Now serving as a graduate student majoring in sports management and assistant coach for the men’s basketball team, McCusker is navigating a unique transition from teammate to mentor—one that challenges him daily but also allows him to shape the team’s culture directly.
For McCusker, becoming a coach was less about staying close to the game he loves and more about stepping into a position where he could influence players with the same empathy and competitive edge that defined his own career. His mindset is simple: “I’m just trying to make Coach Galletta’s job easier,” he says. He now occupies a space between past and present: no longer lacing up for game minutes, but still deeply embedded in the heartbeat of Lasell basketball.
A typical game day blends coaching responsibilities, personal fitness, and academic demands. McCusker wakes up at 7:45 a.m. and arrives at the gym by 8:30, setting the tone for a full day ahead. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., he runs optional player workouts designed for any player wanting to get extra reps. These sessions often include shooting drills, footwork refinement, and position-based training—small touches that give players a chance to grow.
After a few hours of coaching, he fuels up in the dining hall before carving out time for his own training. From 1–2 p.m., he lifts or gets in conditioning work, maintaining the physical routine he built as a player. For McCusker, staying in playing shape isn’t just about fitness; it allows him to demonstrate drills at a high level and remain relatable to the athletes he now mentors. Shootaround follows from 2–3 p.m., where coaches run through final game notes and emphasize key points of that night’s matchup. During this time, McCusker checks in with players individually, gauging energy levels, confidence, and any lingering concerns. His ability to understand what athletes need comes from having been in their shoes not long ago. “I’m the bridge between the players and the coaches because I’ve experienced and know both sides,” McCusker explains.
Despite the long hours devoted to basketball, academics remain a significant part of his day. McCusker chose to make all his classes asynchronous to make his schedule manageable. This allows him to stay fully committed to coaching without sacrificing his education. He returns to the gym around 5, a couple of hours before gametime. An early arrival gives him time to talk through any last-minute adjustments and to start guiding players into game-day mentality. He then leads pre-game workouts and shooting drills. These sessions include form shooting, rhythm jumpers, attack moves, and defensive footwork.
In these moments, McCusker’s influence is both technical and emotional—he sets the tone and creates a competitive but positive atmosphere.
Shortly before tip-off, he shifts into scouting mode. Standing off to the side of the court, he watches the opposing team warm up, noting matchups, tendencies, and any adjustments he can pass on to the coaching staff. It’s a small but crucial responsibility that reflects the trust head coach Aaron Galletta places in him.
McCusker keeps mental notes and writes down observations in real time—weaknesses to exploit, mistakes that need correcting, and potential tweaks to offensive sets or defensive coverages. He also acts as a voice on the bench, communicating with players during breaks and offering insights on what he’s seeing on the floor.
His investment extends well beyond game nights. McCusker loves hosting film sessions and running extra workouts, seeing them as opportunities to provide what he wishes he had during his playing years. “Playing and now coaching, I want to give the guys the things I never had—and that’s what’s beautiful about it,” he says.
After each game, he meets with the coaching staff to break down what went right and what needs improvement.
His nights often end close to midnight—sometimes later if he stays up watching a film, something he admits he does almost every day.
The transition from teammate to coach wasn’t seamless. “The most difficult part is having played with all the guys and then earning their respect as a coach,” he reflects. But as the season has progressed, the dynamic has shifted. “The guys and the coaches understand the position I’m in, and it’s been great.” Now, his dual perspective has become one of his greatest strengths, and the players notice the impact. Sophomore guard Esmer Madesko shared, “His workouts have gotten me better, and he pushes me every day.” As the season goes on, McCusker has already become a defining piece of the team’s identity. For a teammate-turned-coach, that influence may be his most meaningful contribution yet.
–Dec. 8, 2025–
