COLUMBIA, Mo. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch) – With a pivotal recruiting weekend coming up, new Missouri men’s basketball coach Cuonzo Martin officially has a coaching staff. Martin announced the addition of three assistant coaches Wednesday, all previously reported by the Post-Dispatch and other outlets. Michael Porter Sr., Chris Hollender and Cornell Mann will serve as Martin’s assistants.
Porter, a former assistant with the Mizzou women’s basketball team, spent last season on Washington’s men’s staff. Mann spent this past season as an assistant at Oakland University, while Hollender comes from Missouri-Kansas City’s staff.
“It’s exciting to get this staff officially announced, because it’s time to get to work,” Martin said. “Each of these coaches help us get better from a basketball standpoint, on the recruiting trail and as a family. I’m looking forward to our Mizzou fans getting to know these three outstanding coaches.”
“I am beyond blessed and excited to be returning to Columbia as part of Cuonzo Martin’s staff, especially with my family who love Columbia as much as I do,” Porter said. “I respect Coach Martin immensely. He is a good, honest man, and a great example of a coach who demands a lot from his players without stealing confidence.
“I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity to once again coach the Tigers. Now the fun begins. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and, along with the rest of the staff, get this thing going again.”
“I have always had great respect and admiration for the University of Missouri and Mizzou’s basketball program,” Hollender said. “From the outside, you immediately notice the passion coming from the Mizzou fan base. Now I am thrilled to be a part of that passion on a daily basis. My family and I are extremely excited to join Cuonzo Martin and his staff and immerse ourselves in the Columbia community.”
“One word. Excited,” Mann said. “To have the opportunity to coach at Missouri is very special, especially for someone like me who grew up watching a lot of Big Eight basketball.”
Missouri is also expected to hire strength and conditioning coach Nicodemus Christopher, Martin’s strength coach at California-Berkeley. Marco Harris, Martin’s lifelong friend and director of basketball operations at Cal, is expected to hold the same position at Mizzou.
Photo credit – Jeff Roberson / Associated Press / Columbia, MO
