The Husky Haul
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Washington Huskies Fill Final Coaching Position, Dave Rice Hired

By Bret Stuter

Dec 30, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Syracuse Orange interim head coach Mike Hopkins gestures from the bench against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first half at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Syracuse Orange interim head coach Mike Hopkins gestures from the bench against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first half at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 8, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach designate Mike Hopkins speaks with the press after the Colgate Raiders game at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse won 78-51. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach designate Mike Hopkins speaks with the press after the Colgate Raiders game at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse won 78-51. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Rice Is Nice, Out of the Blue

I had not heard David Rice’s name mentioned prior to this announcement. But it comes as a pleasant surprise.  Rice arrives as an experienced and venerable coach of 21 years in men’s basketball.  He was the head coach of UNLV from 2011-2016.  During his tenure, he coached the team to the NCAA tournaments in his five seasons.  Dave Rice  has also served on the coaching staff of Utah State, BYU, and most recently with Nevada.

In his biography at NevadaWolfPack.com, head coach Eric Mussleman gave the following insights:

"“When Coach Rice and I started the interview process, I was extremely impressed,” Musselman said. “His philosophy along with his Xs and Os knowledge of the game are outstanding. He is a proven recruiter at the national level having signed several highly ranked classes that included individuals who had great collegiate and professional success. Anyone who has sat in the head coaches chair and has been so successful at the collegiate level is going to be a great addition to our staff. He has been to the NCAA Tournament as a player and coach, and won an NCAA Championship as a player. Those are places we want to reach with the Wolf Pack basketball program and he will help us attain those goals.”"

Tourney Well-Traveled

As a matter of fact, he  had success at BYU as well, helping to coach the team to five straight 25-win seasons each ending with invitations to the NCAA Tournamen.  BYU advanced as far as a Sweet 16 berth in 2011.  But most importantly, he is now a member of the University of Washington Huskies Men’s Basketball team.

The hire makes the first stage of the metamorphosis complete.  The Huskies have achieved balance among their coaching staff.

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