Building Mike Hopkins Coaching Staff

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The University of Washington Huskies Men’s Basketball Team has a head coach. But now Mike Hopkins beings the real work of building the coaching staff and restoring the team

By now, you may know that Mike Hopkins is the new Washington Huskies Men’s basketball head coach. As such, he’s now shouldering all the responsibilities of the basketball team. At least, until he can confirm the existing coaches or hire his own staff.

And as rapidly as he was hired, it appears he may be equally adept at quickly assembling his coaching staff.  You see, he not only has a chip on his shoulder over the University of Syracuse passing him over. He was in line for the USC head coaching job, and was passed over.

And the competitive nature of Hopkins kicked in. He was not disappointed, he was subtly incensed over losing out from the USC Trojans head coaching position.

Trojan Horse?

And so, games against the USC Trojans will be ones to watch in the future. But what of the staff he must hire, or confirm? Well, if there is a way to screw over the USC Trojans, I expect that will be an option he weighs heavily.

As of today, the current coaching staff of the University of Washington Huskies men’s basketball team is as follows:

• Head Coach Mike Hopkins
• Assistant Coach (Interim) Will Conroy
• Associate Head Coach Raphael Chillious
• Assistant Coach Michael Porter
• Special Asst To Head Coach Brad Jackson

And so, while Hopkins seeks to fill the staff with “his” choices, he will be wise enough to interview and vet each of the current coaches.  Of particular note, and the coach all eyes of the nation will train upon, is the outcome of assistant coach Michael Porter.

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Pressure on the Decision

Porter has already been linked to an assistant coaching position with the University of Missouri, following on the announcement tomorrow of the school’s hiring of former California head coach Cuonzo Martin as the head coach. While no announcement of Porter likely waits for the announcement of Martin, there is some hope that Hopkins will retain Porter, and in doing so keep both Michael Jr. and Jontay heading to the Huskies.

IIn fact, the bottom line is the team needs to turn the corner into the future. That necessitates some new coaches.  Which ones remain to be seen.

On one hand, Hopkins will likely focus on contracts familiar with the Pacific Northwest. On the other hand, do not rule out a hire from the east coast as well.   After all, the goal is to improve, not remain comfortable with the familiar.

Next: University of Washington Huskies Sunday Sports Summary

On one hand, we’ll have a list of assistants drawn up in the days ahead. On the other hand, if they fast-track hires, we’ll simply introduce new coaches.  We’re flexible.