University of Maine men’s basketball head coach, Bob Walsh, announced the addition of two assistant coaches as Matt O’Brien and Zak Boisvert were added to the coaching staff. Most recently O’Brien spent five seasons with America East rival Vermont, while Boisvert spent last season with Fairleigh Dickinson of the Northeast Conference.
O’Brien joins the Black Bear staff after spending six seasons as part of a Vermont Catamounts squad that has seen unparalleled success in the America East conference.
From 2008-10, O’Brien served as the director of basketball operations before transitioning to assistant coach beginning in 2010-11. In his five seasons with Vermont he helped the Catamounts to a 52-12 record in conference play. The squad went 90-44 overall.
Prior to that, O’Brien spent three seasons working together with Walsh at Rhode Island College from 2005-08, serving as the assistant under the new Black Bears head coach. During his time on Walsh’s staff the Anchormen recorded a mark of 69-21.
"Matt is the first person I hired when I became a head coach at Rhode Island College," Walsh said. "He is an extremely talented, well-rounded coach who is experienced, intelligent and driven. He made me better every day at RIC and was a big part of the championship culture we built there. He’ll fit in great with the culture at the University of Maine and I’m thrilled to have him on board."
O’Brien also has another unique tie to the Black Bears athletic department as his father, Phil, graudated from Maine as he played football for head coach Walter Abbott from 1973-75.
Meanwhile, Boisvert, a Portland, Maine native comes to Orono after one-year stints at Iona College and most recently, Fairleigh Dickinson.
"Zak is one of the sharpest young coaches in the business with a relentless work ethic," Walsh said. "He’s got tremendous passion for the game of basketball and great experience and contacts throughout the country. He will challenge me every day and bring a different perspective to the table. We are very lucky to have him join the Black Bear staff."
As a member of Knights, Boisvert helped FDU to its first conference tournament since 2010. Fairleigh Dickinson won six conference games, matching the program’s total from the first three years combined.
While at Iona, the Gaels won the 2013 MAAC conference title and competed in the NCAA tournament. During his tenure, Boisvert was the youngest assistant coach in Division I basketball.
Prior to his two coaching assignments, Boisvert worked as the team events director at Hoop Group, a company that helps organize and run team basketball events. Boisvert was a big part of many events including the Philly Hoop Group Classic, the Hoop Group Boardwalk Showcase, and the Under Armour Hoop Group Jam Fest.
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