As Lackawanna College begins its future as an NCAA Division II school, it is turning to the past to lead its men’s basketball program.

Raru Archer recently was hired as the head coach of the Falcons. He previously coached at the school for four seasons from 2008-12. Since then, he served as an assistant coach with several NCAA Division I programs.

“I’m genuinely excited to return to Lackawanna College and lead the men’s (basketball) program,” Archer said in a press release. “This is a place with a great tradition, and I’m eager to work with these student-athletes to build on that foundation and tradition. I’m ready for the challenge and the opportunity to make a positive impact.”

Archer began his coaching career as an assistant with Lackawanna in 2008. After three seasons, he was promoted to head coach and led the Falcons to an NJCAA Region 19 championship in 2012. That earned him Region 19 Coach of the Year honors.

After leaving Lackawanna, Archer went to Norfolk State as an assistant coach. The Trinity, Texas, native then headed home to work for Texas Grassroots Basketball, focusing on youth player development and training. He returned to the collegiate ranks in 2018, spending a year as an assistant coach at Ranger College in the NJCAA.

He next headed to Sam Houston State, serving as an assistant coach for the women’s team for four seasons. While he was there, he helped guide the Bearkats to a school-record 14 wins in the 2019-20 season.

From 2023 to this season, Archer was an assistant coach for the women’s team at Long Beach State.

“Raru Archer brings a proven track record of player development, recruiting and program leadership at multiple levels of collegiate basketball. His ability to develop talent, foster team culture and ensure student-athlete success both on and off the court aligns perfectly with our departmental priorities,” Lackawanna athletic director Erik Larson said in a press release. “We are excited to welcome a coach with his experience, energy and commitment to excellence.”

With the transition to Division II, Larson believes Lackawanna needs an experienced coach who understands the standards, expectations and commitment required at that level.

“Raru’s experience across Division I and Division II programs, along with his strong background in compliance, recruiting and player development, positions him to be a valuable part of our growth,” Larson said. “Just as importantly, he has demonstrated a commitment to engaging with the campus and surrounding community, and we are confident he will help strengthen the connection between our program and the community as we move into this next chapter.”

Archer is excited for the challenge of guiding the Falcons into the uncharted territory of NCAA Division II and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.

“It’s a chance to mentor young men, help them grow both on and off the court and build a legacy that lasts beyond wins and losses,” Archer said. “Being part of this pivotal moment for the program is a privilege, and I’m committed to creating a culture of hard work, character and pride that the entire college community can be proud of.”

Archer takes over a Lackawanna team that went 16-16 last season. It won three straight games to qualify for the Region 19 playoffs, won a first-round game at County College of Morris before losing to Mercer County Community College in the semifinals.

Despite facing higher competition, Archer has high expectations for the Falcons both on the court and in the classroom, and believes they will exceed them.

“I’m looking to bring in players who are not only talented and competitive but also disciplined, coachable and committed to growing as individuals,” Archer said.

“Success comes from building a team with strong character, work ethic and a sense of community, so the type of student-athletes we recruit will reflect those values. I want players who are driven to compete at a high level while representing the college with pride and integrity.”