Assistant Coach Jackie Manuel is leaving to become an Asst @ UNC-W: Replacement?

[VU2014]

Well it looks like that rumor was true about Assistant Coach Jackie Manuel leaving for the UNC-W... bummer. We've now lost Coach Warner (most likely was only temporary) & now Coach Manuel within the last few weeks. I could see maybe why Coach Manuel may have wanted to move closer to where he use to play college ball North Carolina.

https://twitter.com/BGMull/status/852509595868303361
https://twitter.com/AlexRileySN/status/852512358064934914

Wish Coach Manuel nothing but the best of luck!

[VU2014]

Now who do we replace Coach Manuel with?

Any thoughts on who would be a good candidate? Maybe Chris Sparks would come back to be an assistant? Maybe Coach Lottich convinces his very good friend Coach Todd Townsend to leave MKE staff and join the Valpo Staff? Coach Townsend was Coach Lottich's first call when he got the Valpo Head Coaching job. May be unlikely because his wife I believe works for University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Anyone else have any speculation of who the new assistant could be?

[vu72]

I would doubt that Chris Sparks gets the call, not because he isn't a capable coach but rather I would think Coach Lottich would want someone with NBA or close experience as well as someone with experience playing and coaching the 3/4.

[valpotx]

I am positive that we will get another solid replacement for Coach Manuel.  I am glad that he is moving up in his career, and that Valpo helped him on his journey.  While having a Luke Gore is great for tenure, I don't mind having some Assistant Coach turnover every few years, since it means that we are successful.  It's the same thing for our HC position, where if we turnover that role every 4-5 years, it is most likely because we are still successful.

[Chairback]

Ivan Vujic is available...

[valpospartan]

Ivan Vujic is available...

And he might be able to get DS to return.

[VU2014]

https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/852734400332652548
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/852734486596812800
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/852734605375324160

[VUOR63]

They should go get Mark Madsen to come coach up Sorolla and Smits.

[valpotx]

As long as he doesn't teach them some dancing skills, I am all for it...

[VUOR63]

I would agree with you, but then I thought that if he's teaching them dance moves, Valpo would have won the national championship.  I would gladly trade a bad dance for a title any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

[VU2014]

Has anyone heard anything about potential replacement hire for Coach Manuel?

Only thing I found was this. I'm sure the Athletics Department and Coaches may have been busy with the MVC invite process. Curious who will get the job and when it may get filled. 

https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/859533248480849924
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/859533589825933312

[oklahomamick]

Mr. Smits..... And ask him for a donation.

[ValpoFan]

If Bryce was still coaching, he might have been interested in one of his ex team mates - Chris Artis.
The guy is an alum, he lives in town, and has been coaching at the NAIA level for a while: http://www.ccsjathletics.com/roster/13/1/1932.php
I don't know if coach Lottich cares about those connections.

[oklahomamick]

Having an alumni some where on staff is important.  Lottich should make it a priority

[valpotx]

Valpo is definitely a sought after job for Assistant Coaches, as it is proven ground to win and move up into better jobs.

[bbtds]

If Bryce was still coaching, he might have been interested in one of his ex team mates - Chris Artis.
The guy is an alum, he lives in town, and has been coaching at the NAIA level for a while: http://www.ccsjathletics.com/roster/13/1/1932.php
I don't know if coach Lottich cares about those connections.

There is an old message board contributor that went by the moniker of "CA" that might have an opinion about that possible hiring.

[M]

I'd like them to get someone from the area who knows the high school/AAU scene well and can help keep the NWI/Chicagoland talent home.

[covufan]

If Bryce was still coaching, he might have been interested in one of his ex team mates - Chris Artis.
The guy is an alum, he lives in town, and has been coaching at the NAIA level for a while: http://www.ccsjathletics.com/roster/13/1/1932.php
I don't know if coach Lottich cares about those connections.

There is an old message board contributor that went by the moniker of "CA" that might have an opinion about that possible hiring.

And had the most impactful first post (and only post to date) on this board!

[bbtds]

And had the most impactful first post (and only post to date) on this board!

http://www.valpofanzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=2532.msg72114#msg72114

Yep, now I remember.

He was stating that he had nothing to do with the transfer of David Skara.

[covufan]

And had the most impactful first post (and only post to date) on this board!

http://www.valpofanzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=2532.msg72114#msg72114

Yep, now I remember.

He was stating that he had nothing to do with the transfer of David Skara.

Quick, to the point, and everyone knew he was a stand up guy. 

[FWalum]

I don't think this needs to be an alum.  I think it needs to be someone with more of a Powell and Manuel resume.  Someone who's name value, Power 5 and pro connections help with recruiting.

[a3uge]

I think Valpo should have some diversity on the staff...

[vu72]

I think Valpo should have some diversity on the staff...

Agree completely.  We need an Asian on staff!

[VU2014]

So Valpo Basketball has a job opening: Coordinator of Men's Basketball Operations.

Is this a different or the same job as Director of Men's Basketball Operations, which is what Coach Joel Zimba currently has? Did Coach Zimba take a new job? I'm assuming they are separate jobs but is this a newly created position?

https://twitter.com/HoopDirt/status/868472921878081536

Description:   
Valparaiso University Department of Athletics is seeking a full-time Coordinator of Men's Basketball Operations.  We are an NCAA Division I Institution and a member of the Horizon League.  Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
-Maintain schedule of day-to-day program operations
-Plan and implement player development workouts
-Maintain inventory of team gear, equipment and supplies
-Supervise Summer Camps
-Assist with on-campus recruiting
-Coordinate team travel
-Perform other duties as assigned

[VULB#62]

My guess is they are downgrading the basketball ops job a bit. From what I read below, this is a more classic BBO job. The previous Director position was specially created for the guy that Matt needed as a first year coach (the guy had a very good coaching resume).