Story: Adam Nelson (@HD_DirtKing)
According to multiple sources, Cleveland State has narrowed their final group to four candidates. It sounds like a 2pm presser has been called for tomorrow to introduce the new coach. The names that I’ve heard are:
- Dru Joyce III: Assistant Coach / Recruiting Coordinator – Cleveland State. Had been on Dennis Gates staff for the past three years. Obviously strong Ohio ties as he played at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in Akron with LeBron James. Played collegiately at Akron.
- Robert Jones: Head Coach – Norfolk State. Led NSU to a 24-7 (12-2 MEAC) record this past season. Won the MEAC, and faced Baylor in the NCAA Tournament. It was the second straight MEAC Championship and NCAA appearance for Jones. Has gone 166-126 (.568) in his 9-seasons at Norfolk State.
- Roger Powell, Jr: Assistant Coach – Gonzaga. The Illinois native (and former player at Illinois) has been at Gonzaga since 2019. Has also been an assistant at Vanderbilt and Valparaiso.
- Rob Summers: Assistant Coach – Cleveland State. Had also been on Gates staff for the past two years, and was at James Madison before that. The Ohio native has also served as the head coach at D2 Urbana University (OH) from 2014-17. He played collegiately at both Penn State and West Virginia.
