LEBANON, Ill. – Men's Basketball Head Coach George Suggs has rounded out his 2024-25 coaching staff with the hiring on his newest coach. O'Fallon High School's all-time leading scorer and All-MIAA performer Donovan Franklin joins Coach Suggs' staff as the Bearcats Graduate Assistant Coach.

Franklin had a successful playing career as a professional and in college. After his collegiate days ended, he played for two season with the St. Louis Spirits in the ABA and played for a season in Ireland. That was led to him after becoming a 1,000 point scorer at D2 Pitt State in the MIAA. In 54 games played, making 49 starts, he averaged 32 minutes per game and shot 48.7% from the field. While with the Gorillas, he was named Third Team All-MIAA in 2019 and Honorable Mention MIAA in 2018.

"Donovan is a perfect addition to our staff. Between his local ties as a star at O'Fallon High School and his great college career that concluded as an All-MIAA performer at D2 Pitt State, Donovan has a unique skill set and experience that will be invaluable to our staff," said Head Coach George Suggs. "His connections to McKendree made him exactly the right person for this position. He has all the tools to become a tremendous coach one day, and we are thrilled to have him start that coaching journey here at McKendree."

Even more impressively, Franklin is still the all-time leading scorer at O'Fallon High School with 1,616 points.

While at McKendree, he will be working towards his Masters' Degree in Teaching (K-12 Physical Education).