Catching up with Coach E - 10/24/2012

   

I am very pleased to announce my staff for the upcoming season.  I believe I have assembled one of the most well versed and experienced staff in the state.  Lem Andrews, Jerod Ward, and JJ Thatcher will be so valuable to myself and the success of the State College of Florida basketball program.  I am elated that these 3 men will be assisting me in my first year as the head coach here at SCF.  They have been involved with just about every level of basketball which will make them great teachers with plenty of experience and knowledge of the game that will truly be an asset for our team.

Lem Andrews has been an assistant at SCF for the previous 6 years.  He has a wealth of experience and is truly one of the best people I have ever met.  His is a community leader and has devoted much of his life to helping the younger generation.  The former head coach at Booker High School still works as a guidance counselor there and is such a great role model for our kids.  I am grateful that Lem has decided to stay as an assistant here.

Jerod Ward recently finished his playing career oversees and he will be a welcome addition as a first year assistant coach in the junior college ranks.  He was one of the best players in the country coming out of high school before playing at Michigan.  Jerod has battled through major knee surgeries which he was able to overcome and eventually played in the NBA and had a tremendous career oversees.   This not only gives him instant credibility to our players, but  will also serve as a valuable mentoring tool because he has been through many of the same experiences as our players.   Combine that with his knowledge of the game  and Coach J will truly be a great addition to the staff.

James JJ Thatcher  will be a tremendous coach for us this year.  He has a wealth of experience coaching AAU, junior college, and at the four year level.  He is well known as a tireless recruiter and has a bright future in this business.  He had great success at perennial juco power Florida Community College at Jacksonville and recently was the head coach at Trinity Baptist College.  Looking toward the future, JJ’s recruiting ties throughout Florida and the country will be an invaluable asset to the success of the Manatee.

 
If the saying, “ You are only as good as your assistants”  is true, then the 2012-2013 season will definitely be a memorable one.  I am so fortunate to have 3 great coaches on my staff to help us become the Suncoast Conference champions.

Catch up with me next week! 

Coach E