New Drexel coach Spiker has Coack K's backing
Zach Spiker has his work cut out for him as Drexel's new men's basketball coach, but at least he comes to Philadelphia with some awfully impressive references.
Zach Spiker has his work cut out for him as Drexel's new men's basketball coach, but at least he comes to Philadelphia with some awfully impressive references.
Spiker, the head coach at Army for seven seasons, was introduced Tuesday as the 26th basketball coach in Drexel history.
The 39-year-old Spiker replaces Bruiser Flint, who was at Drexel for 15 seasons but went just 6-25 this season and 17-44 over the last two.
There was no better reference than the one from Mike Krzyzewski. Before he became an institution at Duke, Krzyzewski attended and coached Army.
"Our relationship grew over time," Spiker said. Before accepting the Drexel job, Spiker touched base with Coach K.
"I would never make a move in this profession without making sure he supported it," Spiker said.
"The job he did at Army over the last seven seasons was amazing," Krzyzewski said in a statement. "His teams play with incredible enthusiasm, pace, and toughness - all traits that reflect Zach, who will surely make the most of his opportunity."
Spiker's record in seven years was 102-112, including 19-14 this season. That was the most wins at Army since the 1977-78 season, when Krzyzewski guided the Black Knights to a 19-9 mark.
Spiker was a graduate assistant at Winthrop from 2000 to 2002 under current Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall. After that, he spent two seasons as an administrative assistant at West Virginia under current Michigan coach John Beilein.
Spiker was an assistant at Cornell under current Penn coach Steve Donahue, who attended Tuesday's news conference.
"What he did at Army was one of the most incredible coaching jobs," Donahue said.
Donahue said those who enjoy fast-paced, transition basketball will appreciate Spiker's style.
"Even more than my teams, they will really push the pace of the game, and it is fun to watch," Donahue said.
Spiker mentioned that Drexel will have only two seniors next season in Rodney Williams and Mohamed Bah.
"They aren't here today to hear about a five-year plan or even a three-year plan," Spiker said. "They are here today about how we are going to make their senior year the best possible senior year it can be."
Williams has met with Spiker and likes his sense of urgency.
"He talks to me about being a senior and not waiting two to three years, that we can turn it around now," said Williams, who averaged 10.5 points and 5.6 rebounds this season.
Spiker also paid tribute to his predecessor, Flint.
"I think it is very important to recognize one other person today: Bruiser Flint and his coaching staff for 15 years of tremendous hard work and service to represent the Drexel basketball program in the best possible way."
Freshman leaving
CBSsports.com reported that freshman Terrell Allen will transfer. A Drexel official confirmed that Allen has requested his release. He averaged 9.8 points and 3.4 assists.
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