Tulane’s hire of Mike Dunleavy Sr. as new head basketball coach has made all the Big Easy news this offseason. The lesser-known position of associate head coach, however, doesn’t receive near the limelight.
That being said, the university made headlines there as well when it was recently announced that Doug Stewart will hold that job title during the 2016-17 season. Stewart explained his inability to say no to Dunleavy’s offer.
“Tulane just came in with an offer that kind of blew me away,” said Stewart.
Some of his notable assistant coaching positions include Brown from 2006-08 and then Oregon State where he served as the Beavers’ assistant from 2008-14. Also standing out on Stewart’s resume is his five years as a player-coach for a team that often faced the Harlem Globe Trotters in the Washington Generals.
Stewart was also a member of the Nevada Wolf Pack’s coaching staff last season when they improved from their previous year by nine wins. On top of that, Nevada went on to win a CBI Championship. Such accomplishments opened the eyes of many in the college basketball world and caught the attention of Mike Dunleavy.
It’s no argument that the guy has been part of some impressive basketball feats, but what does he bring to New Orleans? Many would pose that Stewart’s specialties can be easily seen to lie in recruitment. He played a major role in that department while at Nevada last season.
Wolf Pack coach Eric Musselman, whom Stewart was hired under, said about him: “He loves being on the phone. He’s got a unique way of connecting with young people.”
He played a key role in the recruitment and signing of forward Cameron Oliver. Oliver, in turn, played a vital role in the Wolf Pack’s championship run and was named Mountain West Freshman of the Year.
This type of scouting insight could speak volumes for a Green Wave team that will be in desperate need of solid recruiting. After the departures of star forward Dylan Osetkowski and guard Kajon Mack, the team will be in search of replacements. Stewart may be just what the doctor ordered for Dunleavy and company.
If he can scout like he did at Nevada and bring in the right type of guys to the Green Wave next winter, then there is no telling what Tulane can do. Whether it be interpreted as good or bad, it is no secret that much of the Wave’s success next season will swing on the recruitment abilities of Tulane’s newest hire and again, as has seemed to have been the mantra for New Orleans collegiate athletics this year, only time will tell if it was the right one.
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