LSU basketball coaching staff moves include exit of Heiar, addition of Nickelberry

Greg Heiar, who has been an LSU men’s basketball assistant for the previous three seasons, is leaving the program. He will be replaced by coaching veteran Kevin Nickelberry, who comes to the staff after serving as the head coach at Howard University.

Heiar alluded to the departure earlier Thursday on Twitter.

Thank You LSU! Blessed to have Coached & been around a lot of tremendous players that were great people. Thank You all the great people of Louisiana & the good friends we met the last 3 years! Memories & stories for Life! “Geaux🐯” #Forever44 https://t.co/m3IG43plZV

— Greg Heiar (@HeiarGregGH) June 18, 2020

Heiar’s next stop is unknown at this time. He worked with the perimeter players at LSU and rose to the associate head coach last year. Heiar, a veteran assistant of nearly two decades, worked at Wichita State and Southern Miss prior to joining Will Wade at LSU.

Nickelberry led the Bison to the school’s first postseason appearance since 1992 when Howard played in the 2019 College Basketball Invitational. The 55-year old was also head coach at Hampton for three seasons.

The Washington, D.C., native is recognized as an outstanding recruiter has also served as an assistant at Howard, Monmouth, Holy Cross, Charlotte and Clemson.

Wade is awaiting word on whether Trendon Watford, Darius Days, Emmitt Williams and Javonte Smart will stay in this year’s NBA draft or return to the Tigers.

Meanwhile, the much anticipated recruiting decision of five-star center Moussa Cisse looms. He had planned to make his commitment a couple of weeks ago, but decided to delay the decision. Many insiders feel that the Tigers will land the 6-foot-11 Cisse, who is expected to be an immediate impact player.