Florida Southern head men’s basketball coach Michael Donnelly has filled the vacant coaching position on his inaugural staff with a familiar face as he tabbed Mike Makubika as his new assistant coach.
Makubika comes to Lakeland and the Moccasins from Southern Connecticut State where he spent the past five seasons (2010-15) on Donnelly’s staff as an assistant coach with the Owls. During his time with the Owls, Makubika was involved with all facets of the SCSU program and he was a part of five teams that advanced to postseason play and helped lead the Owls to a 30-3 record and an Elite Eight appearance in 2014.
During his time at Southern Connecticut, the Owls posted a 97-48 overall record and made one Elite Eight appearance, one Sweet 16 appearance, two Northeast-10 Southwest Division titles and one NE-10 Tournament championship.
“I am excited to be able to add Mike to my first coaching staff here at Florida Southern. He is someone that has worked with me the past six years and knows and understands the system we run and the way we like to do things,” said Donnelly, who was named the program’s 24th all-time head coach on May 1.
Prior to going to Southern Connecticut State, Mabubika spent the 2009-10 season as an assistant on Donnelly’s staff at Post University. In his one season with the Eagles, Makubika was responsible for on-court coaching and instruction, player development, scouting, strength and conditioning and recruiting.
“I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to be the men’s basketball assistant coach at Florida Southern College. I’m very appreciative of Coach Donnelly, (President) Dr. Anne B. Kerr and (Director of Athletics) Pete Meyer for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Florida Southern community,” Makubika said. “I’m looking forward to building on the basketball program’s rich tradition and past successes.”
Along with his six year’s experience coaching at the Division II level, Makubika brings five years of Division I experience from his time at both Syracuse and Central Connecticut State University. Makubika served as a team manager for two seasons at Central Connecticut State, before transferring to Syracuse, where he was a student manager for three years. At Syracuse, Makubika worked with Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from Syracuse in 2006 and earned his masters degree in Higher Education Administration from Syracuse in 2008.
“I am excited to have Mike join me here at Florida Southern College,” added Donnelly, who is entering his first season at the helm of the Mocs in 2015-16 and has posted a 195-150 record in 12 seasons as a Division II head coach.
http://fscmocs.com/sports/mbkb/2014-15/releases/20150515gvnjjd
