Oklahoma State University Athletics
Lutz adds Dana Valentine to Cowboy Basketball staff
June 05, 2025 | Cowboy Basketball
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State head coach Steve Lutz announced the addition of former St. Bonaventure assistant Dana Valentine to the Cowboy Basketball coaching staff.
"I believe in surrounding our student-athletes with great teachers and even better people, and Dana fits that mold perfectly," Lutz said. "He brings infectious energy, a passion for teaching, and a proven ability to help players maximize their potential. We're excited for the impact he's going to make here in Stillwater."
Valentine arrives after two successful years at St. Bonaventure, where he worked primarily with the wings and had a hand in back-to-back 20-win campaigns. The 2024-25 Bonnies ranked 23rd nationally in scoring defense and hosted an NIT game for just the third time in school history.
Prior to his stint in western New York, Valentine spent five years in Connecticut at one of the nation's premier high school programs, Putnam Science Academy. He served as head varsity coach from 2018-21 before transitioning to an assistant role with the prep team. In two seasons he helped lead that group to a 77-3 record and a pair of national championships.
Off the court, Valentine coordinated team travel and served as the school's compliance director, supporting student-athletes through the NCAA clearinghouse and the college admissions process.
During Valentine's time at Putnam, numerous Mustangs went on to the NCAA Division I level, including future Cowboys Benjamin Ahmed (a sophomore on Putnam's 2022-23 national title winner), Arturo Dean (a member of its undefeated 2021-22 squad) and Abou Ousmane (2018-19).
A native of Roxbury, Massachusetts, Valentine was a college football running back at Worcester State University before taking an unlikely path into the basketball world through his involvement in the grassroots community.
He was a volunteer assistant coach at Notre Dame Prep from 2016 to 2017 and spent five years working with AAU New England (2016-21), serving as head coach of the 15U team, assistant coach for the 16U and 17U teams, and recruiting coordinator.
"I believe in surrounding our student-athletes with great teachers and even better people, and Dana fits that mold perfectly," Lutz said. "He brings infectious energy, a passion for teaching, and a proven ability to help players maximize their potential. We're excited for the impact he's going to make here in Stillwater."
Valentine arrives after two successful years at St. Bonaventure, where he worked primarily with the wings and had a hand in back-to-back 20-win campaigns. The 2024-25 Bonnies ranked 23rd nationally in scoring defense and hosted an NIT game for just the third time in school history.
Prior to his stint in western New York, Valentine spent five years in Connecticut at one of the nation's premier high school programs, Putnam Science Academy. He served as head varsity coach from 2018-21 before transitioning to an assistant role with the prep team. In two seasons he helped lead that group to a 77-3 record and a pair of national championships.
Off the court, Valentine coordinated team travel and served as the school's compliance director, supporting student-athletes through the NCAA clearinghouse and the college admissions process.
During Valentine's time at Putnam, numerous Mustangs went on to the NCAA Division I level, including future Cowboys Benjamin Ahmed (a sophomore on Putnam's 2022-23 national title winner), Arturo Dean (a member of its undefeated 2021-22 squad) and Abou Ousmane (2018-19).
A native of Roxbury, Massachusetts, Valentine was a college football running back at Worcester State University before taking an unlikely path into the basketball world through his involvement in the grassroots community.
He was a volunteer assistant coach at Notre Dame Prep from 2016 to 2017 and spent five years working with AAU New England (2016-21), serving as head coach of the 15U team, assistant coach for the 16U and 17U teams, and recruiting coordinator.
Players Mentioned
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