By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
The Washington Huskies have found their replacement for Lorenzo Romar. The next men’s basketball coach is Mike Hopkins.
He has been a long-time assistant coach at Syracuse. He first began as an assistant coach during the 1996-1997 season.
“I’m extremely excited to welcome Mike and his family to Seattle,” Washington athletic director Jen Cohen said in a statement released by the school. “His resume and reputation within the basketball community made him stand out to us, but ultimately it was his vision for Washington, his passion for teaching and developing student-athletes and his close alignment with the core values of our institution and department that made it more than clear that he was the right fit for us.”
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He takes over a program that went just 9-22 overall. They were just 2-12 within the PAC-12 Conference.
Despite having the potential No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz, they could not win.
As an interim head coach, he was 4-5 filling in for Jim Boeheim. In July 2015, he was the designated replacement to replace Boeheim.
“The University of Washington is such a unique place, with a world-class University, an exciting basketball history and unbelievable fan support,” Hopkins said. “Together, I believe we can build something very special in Seattle, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Hopkins had been the Head Coach-In-Waiting. However, longtime Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim has no interest in stepping down.
He was named the Head Coach-In-Waiting On June 25, 2015. He was expected to replace Boeheim for the 2017-18 season.
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With Hopkins departing, Syracuse has announced an extension for Boeheim.
“I can’t express enough thanks to Coach Boeheim for so many years of mentorship and guidance,” Hopkins said. “The timing is right for me and my family to make this move.”
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