University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Men's Basketball Elevates Two Graduate Assistants to New Roles
7/22/2026 1:52:00 PM | Men's Basketball
HATTIESBURG -- Southern Miss head men's basketball coach Jay Ladner has announced that George Brocato and Michael Legre have been elevated to new positions ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Brocato will serve as an assistant coach and director of player personnel, and Legre will be the video coordinator. Both Brocato and Legre were graduate assistants in their first season with the Golden Eagles. Southern Miss enjoyed a 19-win season with the two on the bench and ultimately made a run to the Sun Belt Tournament semifinal game against the eventual winner, Troy.
Brocato came to Hattiesburg after spending two seasons as an assistant coach at St. Cloud High School, where he helped the team record the most wins in program history and reach the Sweet 16. Outside of basketball, Brocato has spent time as a personal trainer at several gyms.
The St. Cloud, Fla. native began his collegiate career as a player at Fort Scott CC before transferring to Newman University. Brocato later received his degree at Central Florida.
I'm excited and grateful to return to Southern Miss for my second year, now serving in a new role on staff, Brocato said. I want to thank Coach Ladner for giving me this opportunity. It's an honor to be a part of a program with such a strong tradition and passionate fan base.
We built great momentum last season, but we are far from finished, Brocato said. Every day we are focused on raising the standard, representing Southern Miss the right way, and continuing to build toward our ultimate goal of bringing a Sun Belt championship back to Hattiesburg.
Legre graduated from LSU in 2025 after serving in several capacities in Baton Rouge. After graduation, Legre joined Draft Dispatch as a basketball scout intern and evaluated NCAA basketball players. He also conducted in-depth film study and provided detailed scouting reports on players.
While at LSU, Legre worked with NILSU, facilities, and event operations. With NILSU, he assisted the staff with market research, personal branding, graphic design, and game-day activations.
I am grateful for this opportunity and thankful to our coaching staff for believing in me, Legre said. I am excited for what's ahead this season and ready to get to work.
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