Souleymane Wane and Wallingford's Michael Papale have been named assistant coaches on the UMass-Lowell men's basketball team.

Papale will assist in all facets of the program, including recruiting, film exchange, weight training and academic support. Wane will also take part in all facets of the game, specifically academic support and working exclusively with UMass Lowell’s post players.

Wane played at UConn from 1997-2001.

“I am very excited to be part of the UMass Lowell coaching staff,” Wane said. “Over the past few months, I’ve spent time with coach Herenda and his staff. I consider this a wonderful opportunity for me to learn from one of the great college basketball coaches.”

"Soul is a terrific teacher and communicator of the game,” said Herenda. “You cannot put a price tag on having a national champion on your staff. Soul is just an awesome addition to our entire program.

"He brings with him great presence and experience that I hope all of our players will tap into,” Herenda added. “He will be a great resource for our big men. He has played at the highest collegiate level and I am sure we will all benefit from his history.”

Following graduation, Wane was invited to the Los Angeles Clippers camp before playing professionally in Bosnia, Germany and Poland. He was also a member of the Senegalese national team in the 2005 FIBA Africa Championship.

Wane is a French teacher at Haverhill H.S. He and his wife Deborah live in Dracut, Mass. with their son Ismael (3).