Jim Whitesell elevated to head coach at Buffalo
Jim Whitesell has been elevated to head coach at Buffalo after spending the last four seasons as Nate Oats‘ associate head coach. In his time at UB, Whitesell has been a part of the most exciting run in program history. The Bulls won the last two MAC titles and three of the last four NCAA Tournaments, highlighted by a 2018-19 season that saw the team ranked in the top 25 from November onward.
“After conducting a national search and talking with some of the brightest college basketball minds across the country, it was clear to us that the best candidate for this position was right here in Buffalo,” AD Mark Alnutt said in a statement. “Jim’s basketball IQ is unmatched and his professionalism and care for our student-athletes is second to none. His leadership, knowledge of the game and past successes over an impressive coaching career will help continue to further advance the national profile of the men’s basketball program at Buffalo.”
Oats capitalized on his success in Buffalo, landing and accepting a lucrative offer from Alabama last month. Whitesell will look to keep the momentum going, but it won’t necessarily be easy. The Bulls’ top three scorers depart, including MAC Player of the Year CJ Massinburg.
“This would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the fantastic young men at UB that I have had the privilege of coaching every day,” Whitesell said. “I am extremely thankful to Nate and the entire coaching staff I have worked with here at Buffalo and can’t wait to build on all of the success that we have had.”
Prior to Buffalo, Whitesell spent eight years as the head coach at Loyola (IL) and had successful stints leading Division II and Division III progams.
credit to Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News for the photo