The Pitino Staff

[muskieman]

Pitino's staff from New Mexico will be assistants Isaac Chew, who brings 18 years of Division I experience, Tarvish Felton, Aaron Katsuma, as director of player development Daniel Walters, director of basketball operations Peyton Stephens.

The strength and conditioning coach Matthew Flores who was previously on staff at schools Utah Valley, Portland State, Arizona State, and Minnesota.

Also, as reported earlier, Dante Jackson is included in the staff, whom RP has spoken highly of in previous interviews. "I don't care that he (Jackson) played at Xavier. I don't care that he's worked here before. I want to hire Dante because he's a phenomenal coach and he understands what we're trying to do," Pitino said April 1. "I wouldn't have hired him if I didn't think he was a terrific coach. Playing at Xavier, knowing this place, certainly is an added benefit, but it's not why I hired him."

As of this date, no GM/Roster Evaluation title has been given to any of the staff. It is not known if an outsider or an existing staff member will fill that position.

"One of the most important things to do when starting a program is building a staff," Pitino said in a statement. "Isaac, Tarvish, Aaron, Danny, Peyton and Matt all were integral parts of our Mountain West Championships and back-to-back NCAA Tournament teams. They have hit the ground running right away and will be a huge part of our success."

The blend of Pitino's guys and Dante Jackson might make some moves smoother