Gwynedd Mercy University announced the hiring of Darnell “Speedy” Artis, a 2016 alum, as the new head coach of the men’s basketball team.

A four-year starter and member of GMercyU’s 2015-2016 championship team, Artis racked up over 1,300 career points and 400 assists as a Griffin. He earned Rookie of the Year honors in his 2012-2013 season, First Team All-Conference from 2014 to 2016, and led his team to a Colonial States Athletic Championship title in 2016.

He went on to join the Harlem Globetrotters after graduation and played professionally in Brazil for the America Esporte Club in 2017.

He also co-founded the UnderDawgs summer basketball league at the Lonnie Young Recreation Center. In 2024, the Philadelphia native and GMercyU Hall of Famer was featured in an article by The Philadelphia Inquirer for his work in the community. 

Photos: GMU, Harlem Globetrotters