Three days into the job, Arizona men’s basketball coach Sean Miller has found two assistant coaches.
He has hired former assistants Xavier University: James Whitford and Emanuel Richardson.
“I’m interested in finding the best people for my staff,” said Miller, “and I believe that James and Emanuel are two outstanding coaches. Obviously, we’ve had a great deal of success together and I look forward to continuing that here at Arizona.”
Whitford, 37, was with Xavier for the past four years.
“I am thrilled to be joining the University of Arizona men’s basketball program,” said Whitford, through the UA. “The rich history and tradition is something I’m excited to be a part. I look forward to many great years in Tucson.”
“Book” Richardson, 36, just completed his second year as a member of Miller’s staff at Xavier. His impact was immediate, as the 2007-08 Musketeers posted a school-record 30 wins and advanced to the NCAA Tournament’s “Elite Eight.”
Before Xavier, Richardson was the Director of Basketball for the New York Gauchos/Teamwork Foundation in the Bronx from 2005-07.
Miller still needs to hire one more assistant coach. Former UA assistant Reggie Geary has been hopeful he’d be added t the coaching staff. It’s not clear if that will happen.