Willard new Iona basketball coach
4/10/2007 10:45 AM
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NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (AP) -Iona hired Kevin Willard as basketball coach on Tuesday, the first head coaching job for the ex-Louisville and Boston Celtics assistant.
Iona is coming off a woeful 2-28 season under Jeff Ruland, who was bought out of the final two years of his contract. The Gaels, who often started five freshmen and were hampered by injuries, had the worst record in the 62-year history of the program.
``Last year doesn't concern me,'' said Willard, who spent the past six seasons at Louisville, the last two years as associate coach. ``I know they went through a hard time, but this is a clean slate.''
College president Brother James Liguori offered Williard the job last week.
``(Kevin) will understand our mission, he will help us to be competitive and he will help us to graduate every student athlete,'' Liguori said.
Before working at Louisville, Willard spent four years as a coaching associate/scout under Rick Pitino with the Celtics.
Ruland, a former Iona All-American and two-time NBA All-Star, coached the Gaels for nine seasons, winning three MAAC titles and making three NCAA Tournament appearances.
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