Michael Lee has landed his first full-time NCAA Div. I men’s basketball assistant coaching position at the age of 25.

Lee, a former Kansas University guard who worked as graduate student manager this past season for the national champion Jayhawks, on Tuesday was hired as assistant at Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, N.C.

“We were very impressed with Michael’s knowledge of the game, and his interview was outstanding,” Gardner-Webb coach Rick Scruggs said Tuesday in announcing the hire.

“Obviously, this is a young man who had the unique honor of playing and learning under two of the top coaches in the college game in Roy Williams and Bill Self, so it came as no surprise that Michael’s base of knowledge was so strong. He comes highly recommended as a coach and person, and we feel he can have a very strong influence on our student-athletes and basketball program.”

Lee, who played on two Final Fours teams at KU, worked with Self’s staff during the national-title season in the areas of day-to-day operations, travel and scouting.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for Mike, a great opportunity for a guy his age. Mike is really excited about working with coach Scruggs,” Self said of the 14th-year coach, who led the Bulldogs to a shocking victory against Kentucky last season. Gardner-Webb competes in the Atlantic Sun Conference.

“Any time you can get on the road (as a recruiter) it’s beneficial,” Self added. “We’ll miss Mike, but this certainly is a great opportunity for him.”

Self said he would seek a replacement for the graduate student manager position.

“I don’t know what we’ll do yet,” Self said indicating there was no hurry.