Florida Atlantic University Athletics
FAU Names Mike Jarvis as Men's Basketball Coach
5/27/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
May 27, 2008
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BOCA RATON, FL - Florida Atlantic University named veteran coach Mike Jarvis as the final Head Men's Basketball Coach candidate during a press conference held Tuesday afternoon in the Tom Oxley Athletic Center's Founders' Lounge, located on FAU's Boca Raton campus. The FAU Board of Trustees will meet on Wednesday, May 28 to vote on the selected candidate's contract.
"I'm happy and excited," said Jarvis. "I'm blessed to have an opportunity to be doing what I love to do and what God has blessed me to do."
If approved, Jarvis will join the FAU family after posting a 363-202 career collegiate coaching record while guiding Boston University, George Washington University and St. John's University to a total of 11 postseason appearances in his 18 years at the helm. His 14 postseason appearances included nine trips to the NCAA tournament where he advanced to the Elite Eight in 1998-99, his first season at St. John's University.
"This has been an extensive and productive search process," said Craig Angelos, FAU's athletics director. "At the end of the day, I firmly believe that Mike Jarvis is the right man, at the right time, at the right place. He will take FAU basketball to the top of the Sun Belt Conference, as well as bring a whole new level of season ticket holders and fan base. He is the total package."
Jarvis will inherit a program that has compiled a 46-46 record over the last three seasons. The Owls are expected to return the team's top three scorers, Carlos Monroe, Paul Graham III and Carderro Nwoji, as well as 80% of the team's offense from 2007-2008 and 69% of the team's rebounding efforts. FAU returns seven scholarship players and signed three players during the November signing period. The Owls will begin their third year as a member of the Sun Belt with a quest for their first SBC title.
The Owls also enjoyed $10 million dollars in renovations to their arena, completed just prior to the 2007-08 season. In addition, FAU is scheduled to begin construction on skyboxes, restrooms and additional chair-back seating this summer.
Mike Krzyzewski
Head Coach, Duke University
"I have known Mike both professionally and personally for many years. He is an excellent basketball coach as well as a tremendous person of character. He will do a great job for Florida Atlantic. They are extremely fortunate to get him to lead their program."
Jim Haney
Executive Director, National Association of Basketball Coaches
"I'm delighted for Mike. I have known him for 16 years and know his passion and love of the game. I know how much he has missed it on a daily basis. For Mike to have the opportunity to return to the game and to work with the student athletes is a plus for everyone especially the student athlete, the University and for Mike. He now has the opportunity to build another program."
Floyd Keith
Executive Director, Black Coaches Association
"We are very happy for Florida Atlantic and ecstatic for Coach Jarvis. FAU is getting a proven and outstanding head coach. I have known him since the early 90's. He is a quality person and will do wonders for the program."
Tubby Smith
Head Coach, University of Minnesota
"He is special and coaching against his teams and watching him coach has been outstanding. He will bring immediate recognition to Florida Atlantic because of his game knowledge, experience and connections in the basketball world. He can go anywhere in the country to recruit. He and his wife will develop and build relationships throughout the administration, community, alumni and corporate sponsors. One of Mike's greatest skills is communications. He can communicate with anyone, but especially his players."
