Lakehead men's basketball coach accepts position with Boston Celtics affiliate
THUNDER BAY, Ont. - Lakehead men's basketball head coach Scott Morrison has chosen to take a bold step in his career and the development of the Lakehead men’s basketball program.
Morrison is taking a professional leave of absence and accepting a role with the Maine Red Claws, the Boston Celtics Development League affiliate based in Portland, Maine.
“Scott will be heavily involved in the day-to-day activities of our coaching staff," said Red Claws head coach Mike Taylor. "His professional experience with our organization will be full ranging from assisting with our 2013 D-League Draft preparations and preseason tryouts to opponent scouting and on-floor drillwork. His main responsibility will be in scouting and advance scouting, but we will take advantage of his experience and versatility by getting him deeply involved.”
Heading into the regular season, nine-year Lakehead assistant coach Matt Erdman will assume the role of interim head coach.
The Maine Red Claws are one of 17 teams in the NBADL. Since 2009, the team has had seven of their players called up to play in the NBA. On the flip side, the Red Claws have had five players assigned to their roster from the Boston Celtics. Over 130 (132) current NBA players have experience in the NBA D-League.
“It’s an incredible professional development opportunity,” said Lakehead's athletic director Tom Warden. “Scott deserves this chance. When he returns our program will be all the more competitive.”
Morrison took the time to thank everyone affected by the decision.
“This opportunity would not be possible were it not for the unwavering support of my athletic director and president," Morrison said. "I am also blessed with an experienced coaching staff, with which our players will be in good hands while I am away. We have been through many on-court battles together, share a common vision for the program, and together have competed at the top level in the CIS. A big thanks also goes out to Coach Taylor and everyone involved with the Red Claws and Celtics organization for making this possible. I look forward to making every effort to contribute to their success during my stay with the team.”
Dr. Brian Stevenson, Lakehead's president and vice-chancellor, wished Morrison well on his new opportunity.
“We congratulate and support Coach Morrison in pursuing this opportunity to develop as a basketball coach. At Lakehead we strive for the best, and Scott will be getting experience with an elite basketball organization.”
Morrison concluded by saying, “It will be tough to part with our players whom I have enjoyed working with the past two months and beyond. They would not have chosen Lakehead were it not for their desire to be the best they can be - for that reason I know they will understand why I must make an attempt to do the same. In the end, we will all be working hard, from our various locations, for the common goal of bringing a national championship to Thunder Bay. I look forward to when I can share with our team what I will learn in Portland and hope it can help push us closer to our ultimate goal.”
Source: Lakehead Sports Info
