Providence hires new basketball coach Scott Taylor, former Queens University assistant

Providence High athletics director Charles Lansing said he was thrilled to be able to hire new boys basketball coach Scott Taylor.

Taylor, who will teach health and physical education, just finished his fifth season as the top assistant on the Queens University Basketball staff. Taylor, 30, also coached one season at Carson-Newman. Taylor graduated from Florida State, where he was head manager of the men’s basketball team for three years under Steve Robinson and Leonard Hamilton.

 “We had over 50 people apply and he blew us away,” Lansing said of Taylor. “He was very personable and cares about the kids and the school and he will show up at every event. It’s a great, great addition.”

At Providence, he replaces Myron Lowery, who resigned in June. Lansing said Lowery wished to spend more time with his family and has since transferred to N.C. 4A champ Olympic.

The Panthers, who have won nine games in three years, are expected to return several key players, including All-Southwesetern 4A conference star Giovanni Mack, who has recruiting interest from Jacksonville, Santa Clara and Mount Saint Mary’s.

“We’re thrilled to have Scott,” Lansing said. “From talking to him, he’s a teacher of basketball. He’s not going to come in with a system and expect the kids to run it. He’s going to figure out what to do with the kids he has and work for them.”