BasketballHiringMAACNEC

Bashir Mason leaving Wagner to become head coach at Saint Peter’s

Jersey City-native Bashir Mason is leaving Wagner after ten seasons to take over as head coach at Saint Peter’s. Mason went 165-130 overall and won three NEC titles with the Seahawks.

“We are so fortunate and excited to welcome Bashir Mason to Saint Peter’s University and back to his home of Jersey City”, AD Rachelle Paul said. “Not only has he established a winning pedigree after his decade at Wagner, but he has cultivated an undeniably strong culture that brings out the best of the young men that he has worked with over the years both on the court and off. Most importantly, his teams play with a sense of grit, heart and persistence that Peacock Nation has come to expect, making Bashir a perfect match to lead our program going forward.”

Saint Peter’s has become a serious contender in the MAAC, but became famous nationwide after becoming the first 15-seed to reach the Elite Eight last month. Former head coach Shaheen Holloway left to take over at his alma mater, Seton Hall, and a number of Peacock players have since transferred, but SPU remains one of the league’s best jobs.

“We are excited to welcome Bashir Mason to the Peacock family,” said SPU President Eugene J. Cornacchia. “He is the perfect choice to lead our men’s basketball team with a proven track record in Division I athletics. We are thrilled to have his leadership and expertise to guide our student-athletes as we build upon the success of our program. I am confident that he will take us to new heights.”

Despite finishing at or near the top of the one-bid NEC more often than not, Mason was never able to take the Seahawks to the NCAA Tournament. While this move may be seen by some as a lateral move, it’s definitely an upgrade, as the MAAC is generally considered to be a step-up in competition and Mason should see a nice increase in salary.

 

credit to Saint Peter’s Athletics for the image