RIVER FOREST, ILL. – The Concordia University Chicago athletic department announced the promotion of Justin Bottorff to Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, effective May 15, 2023.

"We are excited to bring Justin onto our staff in a full-time capacity," said Interim Director of Athletics Janet Wolbert. "He has demonstrated over the past academic year his commitment to the program and the growth for the student-athletes, athletically, academically, and their overall well-being. He has been a source of knowledge for members of the men's basketball program, having been a Division III student-athlete himself."

Bottorff steps into the full-time role after a year as the men's basketball graduate assistant for the 2022-23 season. During the 2022-23 season, Bottorff helped coach the team to an 8-0 start, the best start to a season since the 1978-79 season. Bottorff worked alongside Head Men's Basketball Coach Rashaan Surles as the duo took on their first season with the Cougars.

"I'm excited to have Coach Bott on our staff," said Surles. "Having him here will help keep things fresh and it'll help strengthen our relationship with our players by providing relatability. Bott has a great eye for talent, I believe from a recruiting standpoint he will also continue to help our program find and bring in high character guys to come play and produce. He's played for great coaches and has gained a ton of experience as a graduate assistant, and I believe his experiences will help him become a successful coach; not only here but throughout his career."

Bottorff came to CUC after spending his collegiate career at Augustana College where he served as the team captain with the Vikings, playing in three seasons. Bottorff averaged a career high 9.9 points per game during the 2020-21 season, and netted a career high 17 points on March 9^th, 2021 against Wheaton. One of the best games of Bottorff's career came on the road at Wheaton on January 12, 2022. The then senior netted 16 points on 7-8 shooting in an upset of then #10 ranked Thunder. The team Bottorff was part of in 2019-20 went 18-8 on the season. Bottorff was also a Dean's List student, and was part of the CCIW Academic All-Conference team.

Most recently Bottorff has spent time as a skill development trainer at DELP Pure Sweat. There he has formulated daily and long-term development plans for individuals and teams ranging from junior high to professional athletes.

Bottorff graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration from Augustana in January of 2022.