CORVALLIS – Roberto Nelson will return to the Oregon State men’s basketball program in the role of Assistant Athletic Director – Player Development, head coach Wayne Tinkle announced Friday.
“We’re incredibly excited top be adding Roberto to our coaching staff,” Tinkle said. “He had a great career here at OSU, and he’s connected to our fan base and our alumni groups. Roberto will be able to relate to our current student-athletes and help with their skill development. He will also help expand our recruiting network with his connections throughout the West. He’s champing at the bit to get to work, and I am sure we will see his impact on our program immediately.”
Nelson returns to his alma-mater, where he played from 2010-14. His name is featured throughout the Oregon State record books, as he sits sixth in career points (1,745), fifth in career 3-pointers (179) and third in career free throws made (486).
A two-time All-Pac-12 honoree, Nelson scored over 30 points six times during his career. Following his time at Oregon State, the guard embarked on a six-year professional career, which featured stops in Italy, Mexico, France and New Zealand. Most recently, Nelson has been working outside of sports, serving as an advisor for a commercial real estate firm.
“Oregon State has had a special place in my heart since the moment I committed to be a student-athlete for Beaver Nation,” Nelson said. “Coach Tinkle has brought together a great group of people, and I can’t wait to get to work with this staff and these student-athletes. I’m excited to experience this world through a different lens, and I’m committed to doing my part to make sure our players have everything they need to be successful on and off the court. It’s good to be home Beaver Nation!”
With the addition of Nelson, Oregon State has rounded out its staff for the 2023-24 season, as Stephen Thompson returns to his role as assistant coach, after spending the 2022-23 season as Assistant Athletic Director for Player Development.
Nelson will help to guide an Oregon State squad that was one of the youngest teams in the nation during the 2022-23 campaign, and features the return of Pac-12 All-Freshman selection Jordan Pope, who led conference freshmen in scoring with 12.6 points per game. Overall, Oregon State as one of seven teams in the nation to have three freshmen average six or more points per game in 2022-23, and was one of five teams to have over 50 percent of its scoring come from its freshman class.
Season tickets for the 2023-24 season are on sale now, and can be purchased here. Stay tuned to osubeavers.com for future updates on Oregon State’s 2023-24 schedule.
OUR MISSIONOregon State Athletics strives to Build Excellent Authentic Visionary Student-Athletes (Go BEAVS).
