After a standout Queens playing career, Van Turner, Jr. returned to the program at the beginning of the 2026-27 season as an assistant coach / shooting coordinator.
"Getting one of our former great players to rejoin our program in a new role is a great story," Leonard commented. "Van has elite character and maturity, and his voice in the locker room as a mentor and teacher will be welcomed. He has a bright future in coaching, and we are fortunate to have him back in our program and family."
Turner was a member of the Royals' 2018-19 and 2019-20 squads, helping the Royals solidify NCAA Division 2 Championship appearances in both seasons. Though his final season was cut short ahead of the Championships beginning due to COVID-19, Turner totaled 100 made three-pointers on 45-percent shooting from the floor. The Royals were South Atlantic Conference Regular Season and NCAA D2 Southeast Region Champions in the 2018-19 season, advancing to the Elite Eight. Turner tallied 113 made three-pointers that year, a school record at the time, shooting right under 45% from the field. The two-time all-conference honoree finished the season ranked second in D2 in three-point field goals made.
"It's a huge honor to be back home and represent the Royals family from a different side of the sidelines," Turner commented. "I am truly blessed and thankful for this full-circle opportunity. To now give back to the place that helped shape me is something I'll never take for granted."
After securing his bachelor's degree in sports management from Queens, Turner competed professionally for the Leicester Warriors in the United Kingdom NBL D1. During the 2021-22 season, he was the league's second-leading scorer, averaging 24.4 points per game on 47-percent shooting from the floor. Turner also averaged 4.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists, and the sharpshooter scored a season-high 40 points in one game,
In addition to playing overseas, Turner has been a pro on staff with Yes I Can Basketball since 2020, giving back to the young basketball players in the Queen City for the past six years. The organization offers year-round programs in the form of challenging training academies, competitive leagues, entertaining camps, and after-school training.
Prior to joining the Royals in his junior season of college, Turner spent two seasons at the College of Central Florida, a top 25 division 1 junior college. He averaged 12 points per game and still holds the school record for the most threes made in a single game after scoring 10 in a game versus Snow Community College (Utah).
