Oregon State men's basketball is making a strategic move by bringing in Michigan assistant Justin Joyner as its new head coach. This decision marks a fresh chapter for the Beavers as they look to revitalize their program.
Joyner steps in for Wayne Tinkle, who led the team for 12 seasons, highlighted by an impressive Elite Eight appearance in 2021. Joyner will continue his current role at Michigan during their NCAA Tournament run, showcasing his dedication and ability to juggle responsibilities effectively.
As the Beavers gear up to rejoin the Pac-12, they'll face a formidable opponent in Gonzaga, the anticipated powerhouse of the conference. Joyner's history against Gonzaga is noteworthy. During his tenure with Saint Mary's, he contributed to six victories over the Zags and played a key role in Michigan's dominant 40-point win against them at the Players Era Festival.
Joyner's resume is impressive, having been promoted to associate head coach at Saint Mary's, where he helped secure back-to-back WCC regular-season titles and a tournament championship in 2024. His move to Michigan in 2024 coincided with Dusty May's hiring, and together they led the Wolverines to an outstanding 56-12 record over two seasons, including a remarkable 19-1 run in Big Ten play.
At 38, Joyner brings a wealth of experience and strong West Coast connections. A former player at UC Santa Barbara, he's originally from Concord, California, which means this move also brings him closer to family. His wife, Tracy Joyner, is already making her mark in Oregon as the women's soccer coach.
Wayne Tinkle's era at Oregon State saw its highs, particularly the 2021 Elite Eight journey. However, the team faced challenges in the years that followed, including a stint in the WCC after the Pac-12's temporary collapse. With a 37-29 record over the last two years, the Beavers are looking to build on a core group of players who still have eligibility, setting the stage for Joyner to make an immediate impact.