LaVall Jordan Outlines His Plans for UW-Milwaukee Men’s Team

When asked: What are you going to do in your first few days? New UW-Milwaukee coach LaVall Jordan said Friday that he first wanted to get to know and support his players. He said he wanted to find out what they were passionate about, to meet their parents, and that he would introduce himself and address any concerns they had and find out why they came to UWM.

In his speech at the press conference Friday announcing his hire, and in answering questions from the reporters at it, Jordan related that he was well aware of the necessity of recruiting and promised to work “extra hard” at doing so. He described his coaching style of play as one where his team would play “efficient offensively and stingy defensively” and that they would “press.”

“Connected teams are best,” he said, which he defined not only as just on the court but those connected to the Athletic Department and the community.

As coach, Jordan said he would, “teach, mentor and support team athletes” and that he would “represent the university with class.” In line with that objective, he said he wants his team to be “a champion in the community and the court.”

UW-Milwaukee welcomed its new men’s basketball coach, Jordan, in a press conference in the Fireside Lounge, with officials saying Jordan has an exemplary record both professionally and as a player for Butler University.

Amanda Braun, director of athletics, in her welcoming remarks, said that Jordan was selected because he was a man of “personal integrity,” something she repeated a number of times in her speech. She also said he was chosen because he was a successful recruiter. Chancellor Mark Mone was on hand to welcome Jordan as well.

Jordan played all four seasons of his collegiate career, helping his team the Butler bulldogs to three conference tournament titles. In addition to a pair of Midwestern Collegiate Conference regular-season pennants, he competed in four postseason tournaments. As a player, he earned the All-ACC award twice and was named the league’s tournament MVP in 2001, his senior year. After graduating, he played professional basketball in Europe and in the National Basketball Developmental League prior to launching his coaching career.

Jordan has spent the last six seasons as assistant coach to University of Michigan’s illustrious heard coach John Beilien. With Jordan’s help, the Wolverines reached a 143-70 record (.671) and have won multiple NCAA Tournament games four times in six seasons. He is regarded as one of the top assistant coaches in the country, and during the press conference Friday he explained his coaching outlook and philosophy.

It is widely known that Coach Rob Jeter was fired unexpectedly as men’s basketball coach after 11 seasons. Jeter was respected by many team members and coaches alike. Athletics Director Braun derailed an opportunity for the team to participate in postseason play as not in the team’s best interests.

Her decision provoked anger, shock and sadness among some team members and coaches and even the ire of State Sen. Lena Taylor who suggested that Braun “sabotaged” the team and coach. Braun said she has never done so. Some players have spoken out about the firing of Coach Jeter and at least four have left the team in protest.

Braun said she was thrilled and excited to have Jordan-something he, of course, echoed his remarks. He did indirectly acknowledge the controversy swirling around the coaching change at UWM. He used a metaphor and scientific fact that planes rise against the wind and noted that in a car the windshield is bigger than the rear view mirrors for a reason: because the plan is go forward.