Travis Conlan Hired as MBB Administrative Asst

Submitted by MGoShoe on

Former Wolverine Travis Conlan (1995-98) was announced on 21 June as the men's basketball program's new administrative assistant.

"We are very pleased to bring Travis Conlan back into the Michigan basketball family," said [Coach] Beilein. "From my first meeting with Travis two years ago, I sensed he had a bright future after his playing days had ended. We love the passion he has for this university and this state and know he will bring that same drive with his day-to-day activities.

"Travis will wear many hats for us in the months and years ahead. He will work directly with me on a daily basis and on various special projects. He will also be responsible for our alumni relations, community service, future scheduling and facility management. In addition, I know he is looking forward to serving as the director of our many camps and clinics."

During his junior and senior years Conlan was the team's captain and led the Wolverines in assists and steals in each of his last three seasons.  Conlan ranks fifth in both of these statistical categories all-time and the team's sportsmanship award bears his name. 

Conlan had a 12-year professional basketball career playing with 11 different teams throughout the United States, England, Greece, Germany, Belgium and Poland.

With the hire, Beilein's staff is now set for the 2010-11 year after a period of significant turmoil.

[Edit: New info from this The Wolverine story.]

Conlan's expertise on all things Europe should especially come in handy when the Wolverines travel overseas later this year, a trip that's been on the agenda for several months. Conlan...bumped into Beilein [in Belgium where he was playing] during the coach's recruitment of German Robin Benzing.

The former Michigan captain was startled to see the U-M head coach at one of his games (one Beilein attended to see some of his former players on the opposing team), but he took the opportunity to introduce himself and get to know him. It led to an opportunity Conlan said he'd been dreaming about for some time.

"It started a couple months back," he recalled. "I was finishing up my season over in Belgium, and now that I'm 34 I'm starting to get a bit older. I think I could play a couple more years, probably, but I wanted to go into coaching, get involved and come back some way.

"When I heard about this opening from my agent overseas, everyone I told about this said there was no better scenario for me than to come back, be part of a program where I have my fondest memories and can share part of that experience with these kids every day; share my insights. Then I get to break into the coaching business under John Beilein, one of the most respected coaches in the nation."

Travis Conlan

Travis Conlan

blueheron

June 21st, 2010 at 10:36 PM ^

Likewise.  Not too long ago (in my head, anyway) he was throwing lobs to Jimmy King, Ray Jackson, and some of the next bunch (Maurice Taylor et al.).  I thought he made the most of his ability.  He was at the controls when the Wolverines got their only win (in the modern era, anyway) at Duke.

MGoShoe

June 22nd, 2010 at 8:33 AM ^

...to a story from The Wolverine that indicates that Conlan's hiring could in large part be due to to his extensive knowledge of European basketball and his ability to support recruiting efforts there.  This may be a more significant hire than at first blush.

ommeethatsees

June 23rd, 2010 at 7:46 PM ^

I remember Travis winning the MHSA state championship for SCS Lake Shore in one of the most exciting games in HS history.  Of course I might be a little biased considering I am an alumni of that school.