Gonzaga University head men’s basketball coach Mark Few didn’t have to look far to find a replacement for departed assistant coach Ray Giacoletti, tabbing assistant director of operations Brian Michaelson to move into the role of assistant coach.
“If you look at the history of this program we’ve done a pretty good job of promoting qualified individuals from within,” Few said. “I saw no reason to not give Brian the opportunity he has earned. He played in this system, left for a few years and then decided to come back and give back to a basketball program and a university he is very passionate about.”
Giacoletti accepted the head coaching position at Drake University this past spring.
Michaelson, a walk-on for the Bulldogs in 2001-02, graduated in 2005 with a degree in business administration. Following graduation the Portland, Ore., native remained in Spokane and worked in real estate development.
He returned to the Zags during the 2008-09 season as an administrative assistant, and in the spring of 2011 was named the assistant director of basketball operations.
“It’s a very exciting move. It’s a great next step in my career and, obviously, it’s at a place I want to be, having been a student-athlete here and having been on staff the last handful of years. My family and I consider this home and it’s great to take the next step up the ladder.”
Michaelson is ready to demonstrate the same work ethic he’s displayed since first stepping on the court at Gonzaga.
“Being an ex player here and getting a chance to coach at a place you also played is very rare. Getting a coaching opportunity is hard enough let alone at someplace you played and that means this much to you,” Michaelson said.
Michaelson, who was a part of five NCAA Tournament teams as a player, said he’s looking forward to the variety coaching offers.
"Part of being a coach at Gonzaga is you have to do a little bit of everything. You recruit, you work with the guys player development-wise on the floor and during the season there’s a great deal of scouting that goes into these games and getting prepared,” Michaelson said.
Few said there will be very little transition.
“He knows the staff, the program, the university and the city,” Few said. “He has been intricately involved or observing every aspect of the program and is ready to contribute in a more significant way.”
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