Brian Fish came one step closer to completing his first Montana State coaching staff on Thursday when he reappointed current staff member Chris Haslam.
Haslam joined the Bobcat staff last year, and his positive impact was immediate. MSU signed a pair of big men from Haslam’s native England in November, and drew praise for his work with the program’s inside players. He caught the eye of Fish during the new head coach’s first weeks on the job.
"He’s come in an impressed me with his work ethic, his knowledge of the game is really good, and he’s recruited some players that I think can really help this program. He opens up a recruiting area overseas that I think can be advantageous for Montana State. So he brings a lot of things to the program, but the biggest is how hard he works."
Haslam came to Bozeman in the summer of 2013 from Lamar (Colo.) Community College, where he worked as an assistant coach from 2010-13. While there he helped that program to a Region IX title in 2010-11, recruiting and coaching a pair of all-region players there.
"I’m excited to be staying at Montana State," Haslam said. "Coach Fish has been great in the time he’s been here and I’m really excited about his vision for the program. I’m really happy to have the opportunity to work hard with Coach Fish to bring success and ultimately championships to Montana State."
Originally from Southport, England, Haslam played at Wyoming from 1993-97, and then as a professional in Europe for 13 years. He began his coaching career with the professional Everton Tigers in Liverpool as a player-assistant from 2008-10, and also coached at the Everton Academy prep team in 2009-10.
Fish said Haslam’s blend of playing and coaching experience give him credibility with MSU’s post players. "He’s real good on the floor," according to Fish. "Having played 13 years of pro ball I think he’s a great asset working with our big guys. He teaches the right way to play inside, and also has a great way of talking and communicating with them."
Haslam, first-year assistant Kenya Crandell and second-year graduate assistant Luke Fennelly currently form Fish’s first Bobcat staff. MSU’s head coach indicated he will round out the staff sometime in May.
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