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HoopDirt.com first reported back on October 6th that John Pelin had been hired as the head coach at Hunter College (DIII DIRT). It has now been made official by the school…
“After a comprehensive search we are excited to announce John Pelin to our Hawk family as our new head coach of the men’s basketball team,” said AD Terry Wansart. “He comes to use with over a decade of NCAA DIII experience and we are confident that his sports leadership degree, technical aspect of the game, recruiting network and enthusiasm will move our program to new heights. He has lofty goals for the team and will assist in enhancing our overall athletic program. John fits our educational athletic model and we look forward to welcoming him and watching him on the sideline this year.”
Pelin joins Hunter College and will be tasked with coaching a Hawk team that is rich in tradition. The program history notes seven CUNYAC Championships in 12 finals appearances, 28 All-Tournament team members which includes six Tournament MVP’s and four Player and Rookie of the Year honores.
Pelin spent seven seasons as an assistant men’s basketball coach at New York University, where he was named senior assistant coach prior to the 2014-15 season. Success came early on and spanned each of his seven seasons as he helped lead the Violets to a 121-68 overall record and postseason appearances every season. In 2011-12, Pelin helped the 21-6 Violets to one of their best seasons in school history, leading the team to the NCAA Division III Championships for the first time since 1997-98 and earning their first NCAA Tournament win in 15 seasons. He and the rest of the staff went on to earn UAA Coaching Staff of the Year honors.
Pelin’s duties of recruiting, practice planning and player development were major aspects in the success of the team in his final year as the Violets posted a 19-9 overall record, qualified for their ninth consecutive post season berth and then advanced to the finals of the ECAC Metro Tournament Championship. Additionally, under his tutelage, four players earned All-UAA honors including Co-Rookie of the Year.
Prior to NYU, Pelin spent two seasons at Drew University as an assistant coach from 2006-2008, overseeing all apsects of the program. Before beginning his coaching career Pelin was a member of the Gettysburg men’s basketball team for four seasons, helping the squad to one NCAA Division III Championship appearance and two ECAC Division III South Championship invitations.
After graduating from Gettysburg in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in management, Pelin earned his Master of Science degree in sports leadership from Duquesne in 2011.
http://www.huntercollegeathletics.com/news/2015/10/8/MBB_1008155616.aspx
Photo Courtesy Hunter Athletics
