Sports
John Osborn takes Hurst Bell position
Thursday, 23 August 2012 by David Tuma
John Osborn took a job as the top assistant for Hurst Bell in a move that is an excellent opportunity to advance. Belton's men's basketball team was in dismal shape when Osborn took over the program five years ago. With four coaches in four years the program hit rock bottom.
Under Osborn the Tigers improved and had their first winning record in 5A in 2010. With a young team last season they went 5-26. When he took over the program in 2007 only 50 players were involved from freshman through varsity.
He played and coached from Mary Hardin-Baylor for four season and coached at Troy High School before coaching at Belton the past five seasons. In the coaching profession Osborn has been a rare case of living in the same place while starting his career, that doesn't happen often.
"I really enjoyed my time in Belton. We have a huge friendship base here. I am excited about this move. For me professionally it is a good move. The DFW area is one of the top areas in the nation in producing basketball talent. There are numerous state championships that come out of the area. I went to high school in Lancaster so I am familiar with the area," said Osborn.
Hurst Bell's coach Willie Henderson, according to Osborn, was looking for a assistant with head coaching experience as he winds down his career. For Osborn as second in charge it is the opportunity to take over an excellent 5A basketball program. The team was young last year and after bringing up several sophomores went 4-4 in district and just missed the playoffs.
They are expected to make the playoffs this season and could meet Belton in the second round, if the Tigers make the playoffs.
"Belton has things heading in the right direction and that incoming freshman group is phenomenal. We competed hard last year and they should be much improved. The parents and kids in the program have been a huge support in making this move," said Osborn.
