Joe O’Shea enters his fifth season at Mercyhurst, and his fourth as the program’s full-time assistant coach. He assists in all facets of the program including recruiting, scouting, skill development, fundraising and academic support.
2019-20 was another good season as O'Shea aided the Lakers in 20 wins and an appearance in the PSAC Semifinals. The Lakers were once again a dominate defensive program ranking sixth in the nation allowing just 63.1 ppg. He also worked under PSAC West Coach of the Year Gary Manchel.
In 2018-19, O’Shea helped Mercyhurst to 26 wins and an Elite Eight Appearance before falling to eventual national champion Northwest Missouri State. The Lakers finished second in the country in scoring defense, yielding only 60.7 ppg. Offensively, the Lakers led the PSAC in three point percentage and assist-turnover ratio, finishing top 50 nationally in both categories. Mercyhurst also advanced to the PSAC Tournament championship game and finished 14-2 at home.
O’Shea has coached six all-conference PSAC players in his time at Mercyhurst, including Cameron Gross and MiyKah McIntosh last season. Jason Massey and Pat Smith in 2018-19. Lorenzo Collier was a 2nd team PSAC West selection in 2017-18, as was Durrell McDonald in 2016-17.
A native of Burlington, Vt., O’Shea began his collegiate career at Holy Cross in 2010. Following his freshman season, he transferred to Bryant. After sitting out the 2011-12 season, he helped Bryant to one of the biggest single- season turnarounds in NCAA Division I history, as the team improved from two to 19 wins. O'Shea helped Bryant to 53 wins over their first three years of full Division I eligibility and was a NEC all-conference selection during his senior season in 2014-15.
Following his graduation from Bryant, O’Shea spent one season playing professionally for Aris Leeuwarden in the Dutch Basketball League, the top professional league in the Netherlands. His season highlight came when he scored 26 points and made eight three-pointers in a regular season win over defending league champion Den Bosch.
O’Shea graduated magna cum laude from Bryant in 2014 with a degree in history. He completed his MBA with a concentration in finance from Bryant during his final season of eligibility while also being named a CoSIDA Capital One Academic All-District pick.
