Mike Hopkins, Syracuse University assistant coach for the men's basketball team, has been hired by the University of Washington as its new head basketball coach. He will be replacing Lorenzo Romar, who was dismissed last week.
The Syracuse University assistant coach has spent 22 years alongside Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim in the institution. Back in 2015, he was named as head coach designate and was expected to take over the Orange program after Boeheim retires in the end of the 2017-2018 season.
UW Director of Athletics Jennifer Cohen made the announcement on Sunday, Go Huskies reported. Hopkins was described as "the right fit" for UW for his passion for teaching and developing student athletes as well as his close alignment with the core values of the institution.
The 47-year-old assistant coach had been a member of the Syracuse Orange coaching staff since 1995. Hopkins will be the 19th head coach in the history of the University of Washington Basketball.
He expressed his gratitude to Coach Boeheim for mentoring and guiding him. He admitted that he believes the timing is right for him and his family to make the move to UW.
Hopkins has spent his time in New York being involved in recruiting and overseeing the development of the Syracuse University guards before he switched to overseeing the posts during the last four years. He has played an important part in the success of Carmelo Anthony, Rakeem Christmas, Johnny Flynn, Jason Hart, Gerry McNamara and Andy Rautins, among others.
He has also helped with the success of Team USA Basketball. He was a court coach for nine various Team USA staffs which went on to win six championships.
According to LocalSYR.com, several fans were shocked by Mike Hopkins' decision to leave Syracuse and go to UW. Boeheim was also said to have agreed on an extension.
