ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Lindenwood’s men’s basketball head coach Kyle Gerdeman has announced the additions of Justin Walker and Jestin Anderson to his coaching staff for the upcoming 2024-25 season. This season will mark the third in Lindenwood’s Division I history and will be Gerdeman’s sixth season at the helm.
Walker joins the Lions’ staff after one season at Wabash Valley College where he helped the Warriors to a 17-11 record and a 10-6 conference record. During his tenure, the Warriors made it to the District Tournament Championship before losing to Vincennes University.
“We are excited about adding Justin to our program,” said Gerdeman. “I think his experience not only as a coach, but also as a former player will add value to helping develop our student-athletes on and off the floor.”
Prior to his time at Wabash Valley, Walker was on the staff at fellow Ohio Valley Conference member Eastern Illinois for two seasons. During his tenure, he helped the Panthers transform their lineup under then new head coach Marty Simmons with nine new players. EIU also had 16 starting lineups during that first season, the fifth most in Division I.
Walker was the head coach at Bloomington High School from 2019-21. He was on the Southern Illinois coaching staff for five years prior to Bloomington. Under head coach Barry Hinson, Walker was an assistant coach for two years. He also worked as the Director of Operation for two seasons and was a graduate assistant for one season.
In 2010, Walker earned a Bachelor’s Degree at Carthage College before receiving his second Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Illinois in 2012.
Anderson joins Lindenwood University after four years at nearby Maryville University. During the 2022-23 season, Anderson was promoted to Associate head coach. At Maryville, he helped the Saints to a 16-12 record including a 9-11 record in the GLVC during the 2022-23 season.
“I think Jestin brings not only experience, but a familiarity to the area that will really help our program,” said Gerdeman. “I’m excited about what he will be able to add to our staff in all areas and the role he will play in developing our student-athletes.”
Before his time at Maryville, Anderson worked at new-OVC member Western Illinois for four seasons while they were in the Summit League. Anderson helped coach Garret Covington to four straight All-Summit League honors. He helped the Leathernecks to the Summit League Tournament during his first season as an assistant coach.
Anderson worked three seasons at Quincy University where he was a vital part of their operation working on recruiting, scouting and player development. He also made stops at Pratt Community College (Kan.) and Lake Land College (Ill.). Anderson began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Quincy.
In a Quincy Hawks uniform, Anderson played 100 games from 2002-06 where he helped the Hawks qualify for two NCAA Tournament appearances. Originally from DeKalb, Ill., he graduated from Quincy in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in management and earned his Master’s in Business Administration in 2008 from Quincy.
For more information on all things Lindenwood men’s basketball, go to lindenwoodlions.com.