Coaching Carousel Spins: Several Key Moves in College Basketball
The college basketball coaching landscape is experiencing a flurry of activity, with several assistant coaches securing new positions. These transitions span various levels of the sport, impacting programs from high school to Division III. The shifts highlight the ever-changing nature of coaching staffs and the pursuit of fresh talent.
Notable Transfers
Austin Kelly is leaving Niagara University to become an assistant coach at Montverde Academy. His previous experience includes a stint at George Washington as director of operations and recruiting coordinator. Furthermore, he previously worked with new Montverde head coach Steve Turner at Gonzaga College High School.
Former Kent State standout Jimmy Hall is reportedly in the running to replace Bill Wuczynski as an assistant coach at Canisius. Wuczynski recently became the head coach at NJCAA College of Lake County. Hall played for Bob Hurley at St. Anthony’s and Hofstra before transferring to Kent State.
LIU has added Jamere Dismukes, Baronton Terry, and Brionne Gillion to Rod Strickland’s staff. All three now appear on the LIU roster. Dismukes led Homewood-Flossmoor HS (IL) to 81 wins over three seasons, culminating in the program’s first-ever state championship. Terry was the associate head coach at Chicago State when Gerald Gillion was the head coach. Brionne Gillion has long been a grassroots head coach.
Will Drescher, who was the video coordinator at Samford last season, has accepted an assistant coaching position at NAIA Warner University. He was an assistant coach at New College (FL) before joining the Samford staff.
D2 and D3 Movement
Interviews are currently underway at Cal State San Marcos, a Division II school. Former Academy of Art University head coach Scott Waterman is reportedly in the mix. During his tenure at ArtU, Waterman had a record of 96-71 (.575) and secured 19+ wins in his last four seasons.
The search at D3 Wentworth is nearing a conclusion. The finalists reportedly include: Jack Barrett (Johns Hopkins), Mike Mailhot (Chicago), Tyler Papadinis (Bowdoin), Riley Naclerio (WPI), and Jason Chornyei (Stevens Tech).
Will Osborn has been hired as an assistant at NAIA University of the Southwest (NM). He previously held assistant positions at Mayville State (ND), Oklahoma Panhandle State, and Tabor College (KS). He played at NJCAA Central Arizona and D2 Georgian Court.
The Bigger Picture
The frequency of coaching changes is a notable trend in college sports. According to a 2023 study, the average tenure for a Division I men’s basketball coach is just over four years. (NCAA).
Additional News
Another New York D3 program has an opening; more information will follow.
