After five years of leading the Simon Fraser University men’s basketball program through the NCAA Division II transition, head coach James Blake has announced his resignation effective at the conclusion of his current contract which expires in June, Senior Director of Athletics & Recreation, Student Services, Dr. Milton Richards, announced today.
"I have accepted James’ resignation and I want to thank him for all of his hard work during our transition into NCAA," said Dr. Richards. "James spent five years putting our program in a position to successfully compete at the NCAA DII level in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference and I wish him well in the future. James is an excellent recruiter who will be an asset to any program he chooses to lead."
Simon Fraser will immediately begin an international search to find the next head coach of the men’s basketball program.
This year Simon Fraser led NCAA Division II in scoring and several other offensive categories but the Clan finished with a 6-12 record in the GNAC, 11-15 overall.
"It breaks my heart to announce that my family and I will be leaving Simon Fraser University," said Blake. "Over the last five years my family and I have made unbelievable friends at the university and in the community on top of the hill in UniverCity and we will miss them dearly."
"I would like to thank all of the corporate partners on Burnaby Mountain, alumni, faculty, staff, and the student body for all their support," continued Blake. "I would also like to thank President Dr. Andrew Petter, and athletic directors Dr. David Murphy and Dr. Milton Richards for the opportunity to coach the Clan.
"Finally, I would like to thank all of the assistant coaches and players and their families for their commitment to me and the program. It was a privilege to work with so many amazing individuals, and I will truly miss pacing the sidelines in a red suit."
Blake was the sixth head coach in the history of the Clan men’s basketball program. In five seasons as head coach, Blake finished with a 38-90 win-loss record and his winning percentage was .297.
Former Clan head coaches include current Canadian national team head coach and Portland Trail Blazers assistant coach Jay Triano (1989-95), SFU Hall of Famer Stan Stewardson, and John Kootnekoff, who had a 167-116 record and .590 winning percentage over 10 seasons, which remain the program benchmarks.
Simon Fraser University was approved in 2010 as the first non-U.S. member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the world’s largest college sports organization. Simon Fraser is the only school in Canada that offers student-athletes access to the NCAA athletic experience and a Canadian education.
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