Following-up on something that I first mentioned back on 9/25 (D3 DIRT). Marywood has now made the hiring of Jon Showers official. Here’s the release from the school:

Jon Showers has been named the Marywood University Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Interim Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation Andrew Smith announced Friday. He will also serve as the Athletic and Recreation Department’s Camp Coordinator.

Showers spent 11 years as an assistant men’s basketball coach at both the Division II and III levels with four NCAA tournament appearances.

“I am extremely thankful to the search committee — led by Andrew Smith, Nicole Malloy, and Robert Piurowski — for naming me the head men’s basketball coach at Marywood University,” Showers said. “Marywood is an awesome institution I know first-hand from my experience as an assistant coach that was first breaking into the coaching profession. I look forward to embracing the current roster of student-athletes brought in by Coach Enrico Mastroianni as my own, and strive to continue to produce well-rounded student-athletes. I am humbled and beyond excited for this opportunity.”

Showers returns to Scranton after previously serving as an assistant coach for the Pacers from 2013-15. During his tenure at Marywood, he helped the Pacers to its most conference wins and third-most overall victories in program history in 2015. 

“After an extensive national search, we are pleased to welcome Jon Showers back to Marywood University as our next Head Men’s Basketball Coach/Camp Coordinator,” Smith said. “Jon brings a unique knowledge of Marywood University along with a proven track record at every stop he has made. Some of our more successful basketball seasons were the result of Jon’s recruiting efforts as an assistant coach here from 2013-2015. 

“Jon came highly recommended by previous coaching mentors. Along with the entire search committee, I could see his passion for the position, Marywood and Division III athletics. We are confident Jon can be equally if not more successful as a head coach than he was as an assistant and can take the men’s program to new heights.”

Most recently, Showers has been an assistant coach at DeSales University since the 2020-21 season. He oversaw the Bulldogs win Freedom Conference regular season titles in both seasons and guided DeSales to an NCAA Division III tournament appearance in 2022. He developed two Freedom Conference Player of the Year award winners and an NABC All-American. 

Prior to his time in Center Valley, Showers was an assistant coach at York College of Pennsylvania for five seasons. The Spartans won three regular season conference titles with an NCAA Division III Championships qualifying bid each time. 

Showers began his coaching career at Division II Millersville during the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons. 

In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, he serves as a camp counselor and tournament director for The Hoopgroup Basketball Company, the largest grassroots basketball organization on the East Coast. He served as an AAU Basketball Coach for JBHoops, York Ballers and LL Runnin’ Rebels. 

Showers received his bachelor’s degree in history from Penn State University in 2011. He has a Master of Education in Sport Management-Coaching from Millersville University in 2013. 

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT COACH SHOWERS

 “I could not be more excited for Jon!  I know he is excited for the opportunity to return to Marywood University and Pacer Athletics.  Jon Showers is a relentless and tireless worker.  His passion for his players and overall enthusiasm for the game of basketball will leave an indelible mark on the Pacer Men’s Basketball Program and the Athletic Department as a whole!” — Matt Hunter, Men’s Basketball Head Coach, York (Pa.)

“I am confident that Jon is going to be a success at Marywood. He has an knowledge for the game that will make any team he coaches competitive on the court. His understanding of the University and the area will help him recruit student-athletes that will make Marywood a winning program.” — Brian Coyle, Former Marywood Assistant/Current Head of NEPA Hoops AAU

“John is an outstanding basketball coach who has deep knowledge of the game and the ability to connect to student-athletes.  More importantly, John is a person of integrity and high character.  He has been an incredible asset to the DeSales basketball program and brings energy and passion to all that he does.   John possesses leadership qualities that will make him a highly successful head coach.” — Scott Coval, Director of Athletics, DeSales 

“Jon is a great choice to head the Marywood program. He has thorough knowledge of the landscape of men’s basketball in the Middle Atlantic region and beyond. He’s learned from many fine coaches, from grassroots through college. His drive will be a positive force for Pacer athletics.” — Doug Kraft, former Marywood Head Coach & current AAU coach