ERIE, Pa. – Mercyhurst men's basketball head coach Gary Manchel has announced four additions to his staff for the 2026-27 season. Brendan Fitzpatrick, Josh Gregory, Jeff Planutis, and Luke Latina join the Lakers bench after a deep run in the NEC Tournament in 2025-26 season.
 
"I am excited to work with this new staff for the 2026-27 season," said Manchel.  "Each one brings a great work ethic, knowledge of the game, a winning pedigree and a relentless approach to recruiting.  Everyone has already hit the ground running."
 
Fitzpatrick joins the Lakers after spending last season on the staff at Tufts. He helped coach the team to a 23-6 record, guiding the team to a NCAA Elite Eight appearance. The Jumbos' 23 wins tied the most in program history. Fitzpatrick also helped in the development of First Team All-American Scott Gyimesi and two other All-NESCAC players.
 
Prior to his time at Tuft, Fitzpatrick spent time at the University of Hartford and SUNY Oswego. At Oswego, Fitzpatrick helped the Lakers to a 26-3 record and their highest national ranking in school history, reaching number four in the country during the 2023-24 season.  Fitzpatrick and the Lakers staff earned SUNYAC Coaching Staff of the Year honors for their efforts.
 
Gregory joins the Lakers bench following two seasons at SUNY Oswego. During his time with the Lakers, he helped the team to a 40-14 record with eight all-conference selections, two Rookie of the Year honorees, and a Player of the Year award winner.
 
Over the last two years, Gregory has also served as the head coach for Oriskany High School, being named the Center State Conference Coach of the Year in 2025-26.
 
On the court, Gregory was an outstanding player in his college career, earning Division III All-American honors and was named the North Atlantic Conference Player of the Year during his senior season at SUNY Polytechnic Institute.  Before starting his coaching career at Oswego, Gregory played overseas and semi-professionally for four years.
 
Planutis brings his talents to the coaching staff after being a standout player for the Lakers from 2020 to 2025. The three-time First Team All-Conference honoree scored over 1,800 points in his career, shooting an efficient 46 percent from the floor.
 
The Hazleton, Pa. native helped lead the Lakers team into a new era, playing on the first Division I team in 2024-25. He also made three Division II NCAA Tournament appearances in his career from 2021-23.
 
Latina comes to Mercyhurst off a successful playing career at Assumption. Captaining the team in the 2025-26 season, Assumption made its second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. In 2024-25, Latina and the Greyhounds were the NCAA East Regional Champions, making and Elite Eight appearance.
 
Latina has led basketball camps at Sacred Heart, leading instruction to athletes over a wide age range.