Philadelphia Local MBB Assistant Coaching: New Generation

Geoff Arnold Picture courtesy of Saint Joseph's Basketball Website

Better done than said, "Behind every great organization, there's a bunch of even greater guys helping the job get done".

Men's Basketball in Philadelphia is Elite, probably one of the most prestigious elements of basketball. Why, you may ask? Philadelphia has it's own league in the Big 5, not including Drexel University, who many feel should be added to make the Big 6.

So what's the key in these programs having so much success. All 6 of these programs in the last 15 years have all had their share of success with their men basketball teams. It seems like if it's not 2 teams at a time, there is always 1. At the top of the list is Villanova. Villanova has had some of the most dominating guards in the country in Kyle Lowry, Randy Foye, Allen Ray, Maalik Wayns, Corey Fisher and I could go on and on. Recruiting is a big part of that and the connection that you build is a reason. Lately, Villanova hasn't had the same spunk as they did during their big runs. Reason being is it seems that they have lost touch with recruiting, but that seemed to be a high priority and with a problem comes an idea. Coach Wright of Villanova has recognized that and has brought in one of Philadelphia's favorite assistant coaches Ashley Howard.

Ashley Howard Picture courtesy of Villanova Men's Basketball Website

Ashley Howard started off his career at LaSalle University and then went off to Drexel University and then made a shift to Xavier to come back to the Philadelphia area for Villanova. He is known as the guy that can get the job done. No matter what is asked of him, he never seems to be less than what is expected. This brings me to Drexel University. Even though, Drexel University slightly missed their opportunity in the tournament a few years ago after winning 29 games a few years ago, they have had a coach in the last 15 years that has received the award of top coach 4 of those years. Coach Flint seems to recognizes talent and seems to do so in coaches, where his coaches are able to go off and do other things to boost their career. He has recently brought in the young talent of Bobby Jordan.

Bobby Jordan Picture courtesy of Drexel Men's Basketball Website

Bobby Jordan grew up in the Drexel program where he learned the ins and outs of being able to coach talent and make high school recruits believe in what direction the program is going. Jordan has the ability to make the best count and you could always tell that he would one day get himself into this area when he first stepped foot on Drexel's campus. Saint Joseph's University has Coach Geoff Arnold, who has been with the program for the last 6 years and has been able to bring in recruits such as Langston Galloway, who led his team into the NCAA Tournament this past year. Coach Arnold is a coaches' coach and gives everything in his craft. His skill of knowing how a team should be ran is among the best and it seems like he'll be the next one in line for his own program.

 

Aaron McKie Picture courtesy of Temple Men's Basketball Website

Temple University has just hired their biggest assistant coach in years in Aaron McKie, who left his post as an analyst with the Sixers to make moves with a college program. He has never coached in college but I don't think the transition will be hard for him. He is known for his years with Allen Iverson and Sixers, when he was the 6th Player of the Year and help lead the team to the NBA Finals. McKie will work on bringing in some great local talent and maximizing the opportunity of getting the program back into the NCAA spotlight.

Horace Owens Picture courtesy of LaSalle Men's Basketball Website

Ira Bowman seems to be the lead assistant for Penn where he has been there for his ability to coach players and relate his experience of being a pro to players. Bowman was known for his ability to fit into a solid role with his extraordinary set of skills. Bowman had a 2 year play at Penn in his years before going to Providence and it seems like he'll continue to help Coach Allen build that program. LaSalle University has Coach Horace Owens, who is known for his local connection to the city. Owens was a local prospect from Dobbins High School (My Alum...Smile) and was an All American that went on to Rhode Island and drafted into the NBA. He has a knack of bringing some of the best big men to LaSalle. No telling what the next step for him is, but he definitely will continue to have a great career in coaching.

Ira Bowman Picture courtesy of Penn Men's Basketball Website