MBB to hire Billy Donlon and Saddi Washington

Submitted by Trader Jack on

Per ESPN's Jeff Goodman and Twitter, Beilein will fill his two staff openings by hiring ex-Wright State coach Billy Donlon and Oakland assistant Saddi Washington.

As far as rumored candidates go, this seems like just about the best case scenario.

LSAClassOf2000

May 4th, 2016 at 9:34 AM ^

Very good read. Thanks for the link.

Admittedly, my eyes lit up about here:

Donlon’s teams have pack-line fundamentals — the same system that has given Wisconsin, Virginia and Xavier so much success — but are aggressive forcing turnovers, cleaning up the defensive glass and actually commit fouls at a fairly high rate (FTA/FGA allowed over 40 in every season).

If any portion of that could be recreated, I would be down with that. 

OwenGoBlue

May 4th, 2016 at 9:19 AM ^

Great hires. Many Wright State people are mad as hell at Donlon being fired; surprised he didn't go for a head coaching gig elsewhere but this makes a ton of sense for him. Will take!

Mr Miggle

May 4th, 2016 at 11:06 AM ^

Realistically where do you go as a HC after getting fired in the Horizon League? Their HC salaries are comparable to what our assistants make. If he had to take a step down from there, he's probably better off at Michigan and not just because of the money.

Rabbit21

May 4th, 2016 at 12:59 PM ^

Exactly, competitive salary, big stage to showcase coaching ability o and a minimal, if any, move.

I really like this move as a next step for him, and if he can get the defense going again and provide a shot in the arm there and then move on after a year or two then this is great for all sides.

acnumber1

May 4th, 2016 at 11:46 AM ^

I think one of them is  an American musician, singer, songwriter, and humanitarian. He is best known for his work with his E Street Band. Nicknamed "The Boss," He is widely known for his brand of poetic lyrics, Americanaworking class and sometimes political sentiments centered on his native New Jersey, his distinctive voice and his lengthy and energetic stage performances, with concerts from the 1970s to the present decade running over three hours in length.

bacon1431

May 4th, 2016 at 9:22 AM ^

I think those are two good decisions. Donlon knows defense. Hopefully it's emphasized a little more now. Washington was the big man coach at Oakland and he's been recruiting the MW for years. Should have solid connections. 

FreddieMercuryHayes

May 4th, 2016 at 9:45 AM ^

That should be way down the list. As you see in FB, it's tough to recruit against blue bloods when your not one. And the BB recruiting scene is even shadier than football which Beilein doesn't seem to have much interest in diving into. What UM needs is to focus on developing what talent they have, keeping kids in the program for experience, and get some defense.



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JayMo4

May 4th, 2016 at 10:04 AM ^

That they can recruit. That said, if we improve defensively and get better play out of our bigs (the two things these guys are known for,) that will make this team a lot better even if the recruiting treads water.

JayMo4

May 4th, 2016 at 10:04 AM ^

That they can recruit. That said, if we improve defensively and get better play out of our bigs (the two things these guys are known for,) that will make this team a lot better even if the recruiting treads water.

Erik_in_Dayton

May 4th, 2016 at 10:04 AM ^

Washington is reportedly an excellent recruiter, and Oakland has had great success with guards under him. Donlon would be the defensive guy we've wanted.