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Washington Basketball tells Coach Shapiro to “Hop Off” at next stop

By Bret Stuter

SYRACUSE, NY - DECEMBER 27: Acting head coach Mike Hopkins of the Syracuse Orange reacts to a play against the Texas Southern Tigers during the second half at the Carrier Dome on December 27, 2015 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeated Texas Southern 80-67.(Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY - DECEMBER 27: Acting head coach Mike Hopkins of the Syracuse Orange reacts to a play against the Texas Southern Tigers during the second half at the Carrier Dome on December 27, 2015 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeated Texas Southern 80-67.(Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) /
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SYRACUSE, NY – DECEMBER 27: Acting head coach Mike Hopkins (C) of the Syracuse Orange reacts while sitting on the bench against the Texas Southern Tigers during the second half at the Carrier Dome on December 27, 2015 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeated Texas Southern 80-67.(Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY – DECEMBER 27: Acting head coach Mike Hopkins (C) of the Syracuse Orange reacts while sitting on the bench against the Texas Southern Tigers during the second half at the Carrier Dome on December 27, 2015 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeated Texas Southern 80-67.(Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) /

Washington Basketball head coach Mike Hopkins continues arranging his coaching staff. Most recently, he has dismissed Strength coach Dan Shapiro

As Washington Basketball Head Coach Mike Hopkins settles in to his new role, he continues to shift things around. The latest moves, as reported by Seattle Times Percy Allen, is the dismissal of strength and conditioning coach Daniel Shapiro and director of operations Tiffani Lambi.

On one hand, head coaching changes  lead to additional coaching changes.  In fact, it’s not uncommon. On the other hand, one change triggers numerous coaching staff changes over the course of the next several months.

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    • Ultimately, the new head coach has a plan of how the program will be run, and wants to place the right persons into significant roles. How to get those right persons into the right roles is the tough part.   But, it’s vital.  That one element can mean the difference of success or failure for a new head coach.

    Promote from within

    The search for their replacements has been unnecessary. Todd Tuetken is the University of Washington’s director of Olympic strength and conditioning. As such, he will assume the duties for Shapiro. He will also work with the women’s indoor and beach volleyball teams.

    The director of operations role will be filled by by Trevor Wade, who was the former assistant director of operations last season.

    While the reality is that changes happen in every program, it’s nice to see Coach Hopkins promote staff.

    As a matter of fact, Shapiro joined the Washington Huskies after a significant amount of time with the NBA’s Sacramento Kings.  He has not cut those NBA ties, as he overseas the conditioning program at the NBA Combine each year. Right now, Shapiro is exploring a return to the NBA.

    The dismissal occurred in mid-June 2017.

    Next: Washington Basketball 2018 recruits PF Ed Chang

    The Washington Basketball team is looking to turn things around.  It’s a tough task after a disappointing season last year.  So far, the 2017 class has been bolstered by some last minute heroics to attract a full class for the team.   Now, those players must learn the new scheme, as well as familiarize themselves with one another.

    Coach Hopkins needs to show progress with the team this year.  To do so, he’ll need to have everyone on the same page.

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