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Former Weber State, D-League assistant Phil Beckner joins Nebraska coaching staff

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Robert Casey/Weber State Athletics

With the departure of Rashon Burno, who arrived from Florida following Billy Donovan’s move to the NBA, to join Bobby Hurley’s staff at Arizona State, Nebraska head coach Tim Miles had a spot to fill on his coaching staff. Saturday it was announced by the school that Miles has found his man, with Phil Beckner officially joining the Nebraska coaching staff.

Beckner has experience at both the Division I and NBA D-League levels, as he spent seven seasons at Weber State before joining the Oklahoma City Blue coaching staff last season. Beckner not only helped Weber State establish a recruiting presence within Texas (he was also key in the team’s play defensively), but he was also instrumental in the development of players such as NBA lottery pick (and 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year) Damian Lillard.

And Lillard was among those who spoke highly of Beckner via Twitter once the news of him joining the Nebraska coaching staff became official.

@Huskers got a great one in @PhilBeckner ... A huge part of my success and progress as a man. He’s a handful but he’s worth it lol

— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) August 1, 2015

“I believe hiring Phil Beckner will help our program immensely,” Miles said in the release. “I have known Phil for years - meeting him out on the recruiting trail. I have a great deal of respect for his ability to recruit, coach and develop players in all areas of their lives.

“As strong as he is as a coach, he’s a better person who truly cares about the young people he works with. I can’t wait to get him started working for the Huskers!”

Beckner will look to help Nebraska rebound from a disappointing 2014-15 season, with senior guard Shavon Shields (15.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg) being the team’s leading returning scorer and rebounder. The Huskers will take a preseason trip to Spain, which runs from August 13-23.