Georgetown's assistant coach search has extended over a month, with one hire being effectuated, as Kevin Nickleberry joined head coach Pat Ewing's staff. Given two former coaches left the program, and another may be reassigned, at least one more, likely two coaching professionals are necessary.
To that end, we've introduced a number of prospects sources have linked as possibles for Georgetown's remaining opening(s). The next professional chronicled Is Kevin 'Stink' Norris, a 17 year coaching veteran.
Norris, is presently an assistant coach at Central Florida, a run in which the program, head coached by Johnny Dawkins, has earned a 112-72 record over six years, a NCAA tournament bid and NIT championship. Other milestones: The fourth time ever 24 wins were garnered, consecutive wins over ranked foes, a Top 25 national poll standing (first since 2011) and navigating Covid-19's global pandemic.
Before UCF there was USC. In Los Angeles for three years, Norris assisted in the Trojans NCAA Tourney dancing and a 20 victory campaign, the school's then first in six years.
His prior two year stint at Florida Gulf Coast was historic: The Eagles reached NCAA Tournament pay dirt for the first time in history, a run that started with being seeded 15 of 16 regionally and ending in a Big Dance Sweet 16 round appearance.
Norris' first coaching experience? In 2005 he joined Tallahassee Community College. Stints at Texas A&M Corpus Christie and UNC-Wilmington followed.
When it comes to recruiting, Norris is nationally a well known entity, of which sources were clear.
At USC, he's credited with helping recruit and develop Jordan McLaughlin, an eventual All-PAC-12 and current NBA player out of Rancho Cucamongo, CA. Jordan Jacobs is another PAC-12 award recipient who went on to pro ball, in this Las Vegas native's case Internationally in the G-League. Malik Price Martin (Miami), Darion Clark (Atlanta) and Chicago native Nick Ricekovic round out the USC guys he had a hand in securing and developing.
What about before USC, at Florida Gulf Coast?
Norris reached back to his hometown of Baltimore, luring Donta Holmes to Ft. Myers, as well as NCAA Tournament standout Leonard Liviningstone. Brett Cornier from Florida is another of Norris' guys, one that was a two time All-ASUN selection. Chalk Eric McNight (NC) as a Norris guy. .
At UCF, he really snagged them:
CJ Walker (FL) - only five star recruit to UCF
Matt Williams (FL, Miami Heat) - record holding Knight shooter
Isiah Adams (FL) - All-AAC freshman, high school Mr. Basketball
Dayon Griffin (FL) - eventual European pro
Jamille Reynolds (FL) - pivot that could be NBA player
Cesar Dejesus (NJ/MD) - professional player
Darin Green, Jr. - (NC) - AAC All-Frosh and league honors
Andreas Fuller - (NC)
Rokas Ulvydas - (Lithuania/MD) - Texas Tech transfer
Tony Johnson, Jr. (AL/GA)
Brandan Mahan (AL) - Texas A&M/Alabama transfer, garnered all-conference honors
Myles Douglas (MD)
Frank Burtz (CA) - East LA Community College transfer
At Wilmington, Antwan Allen, a Baltimore native and Miami transfer was lured. For Texas A&M-CC, Baltimore guys Kevin Palmer and Terrence Jones were added, the former becoming it's all time single season scorer record holder and a two time Southland all-league standout. Toronto's Shamar Combs is another All-Soutland selection credited to Norris. Add Croatia's Filip Toncinic to his TAMU-CC haul.
Starting his coaching career, Norris tapped Baltimore's talent well, convincing Jermaine Dixon, Jeremy Robinson and Antwan Lawrence to attend TCC. Dixon earned two All-Panhandle awards before transferring to Pitt.
That Norris can communicate and work with different people, has a penchant for teaching the game plus is sincere with co-workers and players should be no shock; a former point guard, first at Cecil Kirk AAU under the tutelage of master coach Doodie Lewis, then Lake Clifton HS (MD) and Miami ('95), Norris has always been good at conveying ideas.
While in high school, Norris was Baltimore All-Met and highly recruited. At Miami the accolades continued to roll in, including pacing the Hurricanes in assists and lettering all four years. The school's steals record is his solely. Norris is also in UM's record book as it's second all time best assister, while being fourth in starts. BIG EAST All-Rookie dap was received, while during his senior year, Norris helped propel the Hurricanes to their first NCAA Tournament bid in almost 40 years.
After UM the pros beckoned. Teams in Italy, France and Czech Republic enjoyed Norris' work, as did the Calgary Drillers of ABA fame.
With a resume and skill set like that, it's not surprising Norris is routinely mentioned for open coaching slots.
Visit Premium Court to discuss Norris, other hiring prospects and the Hoyas.
