PHILADELPHIA - Geoff Arnold has been named assistant men's basketball coach at Saint Joseph's University, it was announced by head coach Phil Martelli. Arnold returns to his alma mater and Martelli's staff after spending the past seven seasons as associate head coach at Drexel University.
Arnold was instrumental in Drexel's recruiting efforts that helped them reach the postseason four times in seven seasons, including a 23-9 record in 2006-07.
"The search was extensive and intensive and the quality of candidates was extraordinary," said Martelli. "Geoff Arnold was, is and will be a part of the fabric of Saint Joseph's basketball. I'm delighted that he is rejoining the staff and know that every day, and in every way, he will be working to maintain and surpass our level of excellence. I do appreciate Bruiser Flint's cooperation in allowing Geoff to be part of the process."
The 1986 SJU graduate previously served as an assistant coach with the Hawks from 1993 to 1996. That stint included one year with Martelli, who was in his first season (1995-96) as head coach. During that season, the Hawks went 26-6 and reached the NIT Championship game.
Arnold left Saint Joseph's in 1987 to join former Hawk teammate Bruiser Flint at the University of Massachusetts, serving on Flint's staff for five years. He then returned to Philadelphia in 2001 when Flint was named head coach at Drexel.
"I'm excited at the opportunity to come back to Saint Joseph's. I've worked for three coaches in my career and have learned alot from each of them. I'm looking forward to working again with Phil," said Arnold. "In my 16 years of coaching, I've always tried to do the best job that I can do, and will continue to do that at Saint Joseph's. I feel that I've been able to form many good relationships over the years and will hopefully use that to our advantage."
Arnold, originally from Sharon Hill, Pa. and Darby Township High School, was a senior tri-captain for the 1985-86 Saint Joseph's team that won the Atlantic 10 Championship, recorded 26 wins and earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament. During his senior season, which was Martelli's first as an assistant coach at SJU, he averaged 8.9 points and led the team with 134 assists. He was inducted into the Saint Joseph's Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992.
Upon graduation from Saint Joseph's in 1986, Arnold played for the Wildwood Aces of the United States Basketball League and then served as an assistant coach for one season. After one year out of basketball, he became a full-time assistant with the Hawks in1992-93, working on John Griffin's staff for three seasons.
Arnold replaces Doug Overton, who left SJU to become assistant coach with the New Jersey Nets.
No comments:
Post a Comment