The High Point University men’s basketball team has added Eric Gabriel as Director of Video Operations, head coach Scott Cherry announced on Wednesday. This is a new position and makes HPU one of few schools at its level to have a dedicated video specialist.
Gabriel was most recently an assistant coach at Shepherd University and previously worked at Mount Olive College and Methodist University.
“We are very excited to welcome Eric to our staff and create another great resource for our student-athletes,” said Cherry. “For this position, we were looking for someone with great work ethic, basketball knowledge and the ability to relate to players. Eric fits those categories and he has been a valuable asset for several other collegiate programs. With the support of the University and our administration, this position will enhance our player development and help us get the next level.”
Gabriel will oversee all of the team’s filming and video breakdown, assisting HPU’s coaching staff with both opponent scouting and player development. The program recently invested in top-of-the-line computers and editing software that will further enhance the team’s video efforts.
Gabriel spent the 2012-13 season at Shepherd University where he helped the Rams to a 15-12 record, which was the team’s highest win total since 2003-04. The team also posted its highest conference finish since the 1993-94 season. Gabriel’s responsibilities included serving as the recruiting coordinator, strength and conditioning coordinator and head of scouting opponents.
Prior to his time at Shepherd, Gabriel served as an assistant coach at Mount Olive College, in Mount Olive, N.C., for three seasons. Prior to that, Gabriel served as an assistant coach at Methodist University, in Fayetteville, N.C., for one season
Gabriel was a four-year member of the West Liberty University men’s basketball team in West Liberty, W.Va., from 2000-04. He was a three-year starter at point guard and was co-captain his senior season.
Gabriel graduated from West Liberty in 2004 with a degree in Elementary Education. He received a master’s degree in Sport and Recreation Sciences from Ohio University in 2011.