LaVall Jordan Selected as UW-Milwaukee Basketball Coach, Reports Say

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UWM’s near month-long coaching search may be over. According to multiple reports, and now UWM PR, Milwaukee has hired Michigan assistant LaVall Jordan as its next basketball coach. The hire comes 21 days after the firing of Rob Jeter on March 17.

Despite numerous reports, from ESPN to Detroit media, UW-Milwaukee’s Athletic Department remained mum on the reported hiring Thursday morning. However, UWM PR confirmed the story on Twitter later Thursday evening.

“We have nothing to announce at this time but will let you know once we do,” said William Berhns, associate Athletic Director, to Media Milwaukee. However, on Wednesday night, UWM PR cancelled and asked to reschedule an interview Media Milwaukee had scheduled with Athletic Director Amanda Braun for Thursday, saying things were “heating up” on the coaching front.

However, Panthers’ players were already starting to Tweet on the Jordan selection. Player Akeem Springs retweeted a welcome to Jordan:

Springs is one of four players to have requested release in the wake of the Jeter firing and athletic director’s decision to not allow the team to compete in post-season play.  Player Matt Tiby also chimed in:

The news first broke on ESPN:


Jordan spent six years on the sidelines with the Wolverines, helping them to five tournaments, including an appearance in the 2013 Final Four. He instructed and helped develop Michigan’s backcourt players, such as former All-American and Utah Jazz player Trey Burke.

Jordan's Twitter profile picture.
Jordan’s Twitter profile picture.

As for UWM, the four players who have requested releases and will reportedly be able to meet and talk with Jordan before making any decisions regarding their future. The Detroit Free Press confirmed with U-M’s head coach that his assistants had been contacted.

According to his university bio, Jordan is a native of Albion, Mich., and was “one of U-M’s top recruiters” whose job was to :coach the Maize and Blue back court players, while continuing to help in the development of defensive strategies, scouting opponents and on-court coaching.”
The bio says Jordan spent three years at Iowa “as an assistant coach under former Hawkeye head coach Todd Lickliter. Prior to his arrival at Iowa, Jordan spent four years coaching at his alma mater, Butler (2003-07), as an assistant coach for three seasons (2004-07) and as the coordinator of basketball operations for one season (2003-04).” He was a starting guard at Butler before coaching and has a journalism degree.  He also played professionally in Europe.
 
Continue following Media Milwaukee for more on this developing story.